Our Why

The traveling bug had already bit when we met the happy-go-lucky Belgian Benoit in New Zealand, and Jules, the aunt we never had and always wanted in Santa Monica, California, but the gifts they provided us changed us. They were priceless really.

They knew something we didn’t know yet; that travel is supposed to be shared. That the experiences had in a new place are so much sweeter when you’re next to someone you care about. That the gift of travel and meaningful experiences have no price tag to match their value.

As young, broke, starry-eyed newlyweds, they made it possible for us to set sail in the Greek Isles for weeks on end and walk the alleyways of Paris. They opened a world of

travel for both of us that was not possible at the time. No strings attached, these two beautiful souls half a world apart from each other, opened their hearts to us and gave us a gift we couldn’t give ourselves.

Sadly, both of them were taken from their wanderlust journeys too soon. There was so much more to see and do and experience. And both of them left a mark on our hearts forever.

In their honor, their legacy of generosity, kindness, and sharing life-changing experiences live on through this scholarship. They showed us the roadmap to make travel possible for so many.

To Benoit and Jules. Thank you for making our dreams come true. Thank you for seeing in us something that was worthy of your love and kindness. We will pass your same gifts on to family after family through generous donors who share your hearts’ desires.

We will do our best to make the difference for them that you made for us. Your incredible roaming souls will never be forgotten.

All our love,

Justin and Lindsay