The Purple Monkey Project is a quiet movement, brightening the community with generosity and kindness. Inspired by fun-loving ten-year-old Reagan Vanoss, the project continues to link her to the community even after her tragic death in May of 2021. Reagan’s loved ones, her favorite stuffed purple monkey, and the rest of the Purple Monkey Project are ambassadors of joy, performing random acts of kindness and creating memory-making moments in her name.
“The Purple Monkey Project was established as a loving memorial in honor of Reagan—aimed at keeping her sweet spirit alive by doing good in our community,” the nonprofit’s website explains.
The youngest of four children in the close-knit Vanoss family, Reagan was a smart, spunky and active fifth grader who loved her family—and her special monkey.
“Purple Monkey went everywhere with us,” shares Angela Vanoss, Reagan’s mom and brand manager for Purple Monkey Project. “She slept with her every single night. One time she was transported via the U.S. Postal Service because we accidentally left her in Florida on a family vacation.”
A simple idea to honor Reagan has grown into contagious acts of kindness and a domino effect of fun in the community, supporting students and encouraging families.
“The Purple Monkey Project started with the idea of giving a $10,000 scholarship to Reagan’s classmates from the class of 2028,” says Angela. “Now, it has transformed into different ways to help students. We keep asking ourselves, ‘What are the ways we can make an impact? Where would she undoubtedly be making an impact?’ We turned to the schools because she loved school.”
The Purple Monkey Project didn’t have to wait until 2028—they’ve already started giving $1,000 college scholarships and offering financial assistance to students for school-related and activity fees. From football uniforms to cheerleading, bowling and choir fees, surrounding local schools reach out to the Purple Monkey Project to request funding for students in need.
“Funds from Purple Monkey Project pay school fees for families that are struggling to do that.” Angela says. “This helps my heart—these random acts of kindness are in honor of my girl.”
To celebrate Reagan’s August 28 birthday, there’s a late summer golf outing. November brings Reagan’s Mic Drop, a lip sync battle and the Purple Monkey Project’s opportunity to give Reagan Vanoss Spirit Awards to thank first responders, teachers and volunteers. Reagan was a member of Girls on the Run, so the Purple Monkey Project hosts the annual Reagan’s Fun Run 5K each May, near her angelversary. Reagan loved to volunteer with her family at the Fairfield Civitan fields, where her accident happened: Purple Monkey Project built a new concession stand, Reagan’s Snack Shack, and hosts family-friendly events there.
“We are interested in hosting fun events to create opportunities for families to create core memories together,” says Angela. “Our family knows the value of having happy core memories together. We are trying to create memories for our family, but we also want this for all the families in the community—to have fun, cheer each other on, celebrate our lives and celebrate Reagan’s life.”
Reagan, nicknamed “Rey,” continues to bring rays of sunshine to the community.
“When somebody says ‘Purple Monkey Project,’” Angela says, “we want them to immediately think of all the good we've done, and picture Reagan’s little face squeezing her little purple monkey.”
Find details about Purple Monkey Project’s upcoming events online.
Purple Monkey Project | contact@purplemonkeyproject.org
PurpleMonkeyProject.org, Facebook.com/purplemonkeyproject/, Instagram.com/purplemonkeyproject/