The inception of Project Left Behind was a long time in the making. Looking back, it almost seems as though we were destined to do this, although we had no idea at the time. Unknown to us, the seed was planted the very first day that we saw our son at the orphanage in Mykolaivka, Ukraine in April 2002. It seems strange that we hadn’t even thought about adopting until one year earlier.
Our general plans for the future revolved around turning 40 years old and experiencing a mid-life crisis. We had vague plans to buy two Harleys, quit our jobs, and travel the country until we decided to do something else. It seemed perfect at the time because our daughter Jackie would be in college, so the next phase of our lives would begin.
In 2001, we watched a disturbing 20/20 report on Romanian orphans. When the program ended at 11 p.m. we simply said ‘goodnight’ and turned off the lights to sleep. The next morning, I left early for the Naval Reserves. As usual, I called Danielle at lunchtime to chat.
Danielle asked me what I thought about the 20/20 report and… ‘what if’ we adopted a child?We both had good families to share…Jackie would be a wonderful older sister… ‘What do you think?’ She asked. Without hesitation, I simply stated, ‘that’s why I married you.’ With those five words, the next chapter of our lives began.
Fast-forward to 2002. As we walked around the orphanage in the Ukraine, getting acquainted with our 3 ½ year old son Gregory, fifteen pairs of eyes would crowd the windows looking out at us. Those eyes followed us as we walked around the grounds with Gregory. I see their faces crowding the windows looking out at us as if it just happened yesterday. In 2005, we returned to the Ukraine to adopt Matthew, who was 1-1/2 years old. More eyes watched us as we repeated the routine. Their eyes never left us. The need to help those beautiful children haunted us and the idea of Project Left Behind started to germinate.
We wanted to do more for orphans, but how? After we adopted our two amazing boys from the Ukraine, who were vitamin deficient, Danielle would experiment with making creative,flavorful, super-nutritious foods for them. One of those creations, NuttZo-the organic Omega-3SEVEN Nut and Seed butter, was born.
In 2008, the seed started to sprout. Danielle quit her job and began selling NuttZo throughout natural grocery stores. We started our nonprofit 501 c3, Project Left Behind, to support orphans around the world. NuttZo is the primary financial supporter of Project Left Behind. This is our quest to help those orphans who were left behind. Our experience was only in one small orphanage in one small part of the world. Sadly, there are millions of orphans throughout the world that need our help. Will you join us?
Thanks to all our friends and family for their unwavering support!
Warm regards,Danielle & Kevin LiVolsi
