08/06/2026
Twenty years ago, a family experienced an unimaginable loss. At the age of 16, John-Joshua Butts fell off a raft in a Michigan lake and drowned because he did not know how to swim. Instead of allowing that tragedy to be the end of Josh's story, they chose to honor his memory by creating The Josh Project —a foundation dedicated to preventing other families from experiencing the same heartbreak.
On August 6th, we remember Josh on the 20th anniversary of his passing, while also celebrating the incredible legacy that continues in his name.
Josh’s mom, Wanda, started The Josh Project in 2007 as a non-profit to provide low-cost swimming lessons to children in Toledo. For several years, Josh’s sister, Tankeeya, former Executive Director, built many relationships and secured grants to fund The Josh Project. With the recent addition of a new Executive Director, Lawrence Butts, The Josh Project has reached new heights, expanding its impact and helping more children gain access to life-saving swim lessons than ever before. Every lesson taught is more than just learning to swim—it's building confidence, creating safer communities, and giving children a skill that could one day save their lives.
Drowning remains one of the leading causes of death for children, which makes this mission all the more important.
We are honored to partner with The Josh Project and witness the difference they are making every single day. Thank you for transforming profound loss into hope, education, and countless opportunities to save lives. Josh's legacy lives on in every child who learns to swim because of your commitment.
Here's to 20 years of honoring a life by protecting so many others. 💙
