The Boy and the Starfish
“Hope begins with a single act of love.”
There’s a beloved story of a young boy walking along a beach, gently tossing stranded starfish back into the ocean. An adult approached, asking why he bothered, as he couldn’t possibly save them all. Without hesitation, the boy picked up another starfish, carefully placed it back into the ocean, and said, “It matters to this one.”
At Trey Loves You, this simple story guides us daily. Though we can’t help everyone, we can profoundly impact someone.
Our Starfish
At Trey Loves You, we believe that even the smallest act of love can be the reason someone chooses to hold on one more day.
Here are some of the lives we’ve been blessed to touch so far:
Supporting Trusted Lifelines
September 29, 2024
In our first official act as a public charity, Trey Loves You proudly contributed $1,000 to the Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Center, a national leader in suicide prevention and mental health care.
We also donated shirts and hoodies for those who gave up a Sunday morning to join their annual walk for mental health awareness. The shirts were designed by Trey’s mom, carrying Trey’s message of hope to those who might be silently struggling.
We support Didi Hirsch because we believe in the life-saving work they do—with compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment. When someone is in crisis, they deserve to be met by people who are trained, trusted, and ready to listen.
Before Trey passed, he was training with Didi Hirsch to become a peer counselor—so he could help others who were struggling.
We’re honored to stand with Didi Hirsch—and to encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out.
📞 Teen Line (a Didi Hirsch program)
Call: (800) 852-8336
Text: “TEEN” to 839863
www.teencall.org
Didi Hirsch’s Teen Line is a free, confidential service where teens can talk to trained teen counselors who understand.
Supporting a Local Family at Christmas
December 24, 2024
That same year, we “adopted” a local family—a mother, father, and their three children—who were going through a very difficult time. The eldest of the three children put one thing on his wish list: a blanket and socks because it gets cold at night.
Trey’s siblings purchased, wrapped, and delivered over 100 gifts, along with a full Christmas dinner.
But more than what was inside the packages, what we gave was the feeling that someone saw them.
Each gift said: “You’re not forgotten. You’re not alone. You matter.”
That’s what Trey would have wanted—and that’s why we showed up.
That love could find them, even in the hardest times.
Healing Spaces at Golden Valley High
May 2025
The Golden Valley Wellness Center is a safe haven for students facing emotional and mental health struggles. It is also the largest in the Hart Unified School District.
When we learned their outdoor spaces were worn and falling apart—and that their principal often paid for repairs out of his own pocket—we knew we had to help.
We funded the refinishing of their outdoor furniture, restoring dignity to a space where countless young people go seeking comfort, strength, and healing.
Because even where you sit and rest should remind you that you matter.
A Hand of Encouragement
June 2025
This spring, Trey Loves You awarded small encouragement gifts to college-bound students—a simple reminder that they are seen, supported, and believed in.
Each gift may not have changed their financial future, but it was a reminder that someone believed in them—that their dreams mattered.
Sometimes, just knowing someone cares can give you the courage to keep moving forward.
They ripple outward, reaching hearts we may never even know, changing lives in ways we may never see.
Keywords: Trey Loves You, Donald Randolph Brown III, Trey Brown, mental health, Harvard Westlake, compassion, nonprofit, California, suicide prevention, Didi Hirsch Teen Line, Golden Valley High School, Christmas family adoption, college scholarships