5th Annual H.W.L.F. Fundraising Campaign
This holiday season marks our 5th Annual H.W.L.F. Fundraising Campaign, a tradition that began in memory of William Michael Cherry, Jr. and continues as a way to honor his giving spirit.
Who We’re Supporting This year
This year, The 4:04 Foundation will be sponsoring six families in need, providing hope and support during what can be an especially difficult time of year. In addition, a portion of the funds raised will help us purchase new gym equipment for the Tennessee Children’s Home, giving the children there a safe and uplifting space to play, connect, and heal together.
100% of all proceeds raised beyond these projects will go directly toward our mission, supporting children and teens who have lost a parent, sibling, or caregiver through our care packages, peer support groups, and grief-informed school initiatives.
Every donation, no matter the size, helps us continue spreading light in William’s name and ensuring that no child grieves alone.
Event Details
Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025
Time: 12:30 PM
Location:
Entrepeneourship & Innovation Center (EIC)
104 Claude Yates Drive
Franklin, TN 37064
Thank You to Our Event Sponsor – Republic Bank
We are deeply grateful to Republic Bank for their generous sponsorship of our 5th Annual H.W.L.F. Fundraising Campaign. Their support helps us deliver care packages and grief resources to children and teens navigating profound loss. Thank you, Republic Bank, for believing in our mission and standing beside us as we bring hope and healing to grieving families.
Watch This Video Featuring Our 2021 H.W.L.F. Toy Drive
About H.W.L.F.
In July 2005, two families were blessed with a perfect baby boy. This child was the first to grace one large family and the first baby boy to bless the other. As he grew, so did the blessings.
William Michael Cherry, Jr. was gifted with an abundance of love, athleticism, good looks, and a tenderness that you had to see and feel to truly believe.
William was a big brother and the oldest grandson of many, which made him a natural-born giver. His greatest gift was his love, and on July 6, 2021, just seven days before his 16th birthday, he gave his final gift—the gift of life—through organ donation. Several recipients were able to extend their lives thanks to William’s selfless act. Though his life was tragically cut short, his loving memory lives on.
HWLF was the bracelet William was wearing the evening of his accident. For those unfamiliar, HWLF stands for “He Would Love First” – a response to the popular WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?).
This simple message reflects William’s loving nature and the way he lived his life. His family also likes to think of those letters as representing “How William Lives Forever,” a reminder that his love and spirit live on.
Each December, William’s family and friends come together to honor him in the best way they know—by giving. What began as an annual event with GraceWorks Manger Ministry has since grown into its own nonprofit.
The 4:04 Foundation allows them to continue honoring William’s memory by providing much-needed grief support to the often-overlooked community of adolescent grievers.