What began as an affinity for poinsettias turned into an outreach that spans multiple states and makes an immeasurable impact on the hearts of many.
Todd Maul met his second wife, Carrie, in 2006 after Thanksgiving. While waiting for her to get ready for their first date, he noticed several small plants of the same variety scattered throughout her apartment. Upon his inquiry, she informed him that they were poinsettias, and much to his surprise, they existed outside of the holiday season - at least for Carrie, they did.
After marrying in 2007, Carrie and Todd found themselves with extra time on their hands one holiday season while Todd took a year off from his career. With a heart for the elderly, Carrie located a local low-income nursing home and decided to share her passion for poinsettias with its residents, scouring numerous stores for the perfect poinsettias. Enlisting the help of Todd and his three sons, she furnished them with Santa hats and set out to deliver 80 poinsettias to the unsuspecting, soon-to-be delighted residents. The boys were less than thrilled, but upon discovering that their time would count toward volunteer requirements at their school, they quickly changed their opinion, happily signing on to do the same the following year.
By the third year, Carrie had become ill with kidney cancer and was unable to fulfill her mission. Todd’s middle son, Andy, chose to continue the tradition on his own, giving it the name “Carrie’s Cause.” Sadly, Carrie lost her battle with cancer in 2013. Andy gave life to the poinsettia project by suggesting they start a charity to carry on the joy-giving tradition.
To this day, Carrie’s memory and legacy live through her namesake cause, while thousands of poinsettias are personally delivered to the residents of numerous nursing homes in several states. Through this tradition, Todd and his growing family spread abundant joy while embracing the holiday’s deeper meaning. Todd is grateful to his partners in the John Elway Dealership Group for standing beside him each year with both volunteers and financial support for Carrie’s Cause.
A nursing home that could be the beneficiary of the poinsettias is called a branch. To support their dream of growing as many branches as possible in all 50 states, you can help by starting a branch, joining an existing one, or donating at CarriesCause.org.
"The thing about this charity is it's joy - it spreads joy." - Todd Maul