7-year-old shatters fundraising goal for Union Gospel Mission

SEATTLE -- For 7-year-old Ethan Becerra, Easter was not just a religious holiday. It was a deadline.

A few weeks ago, he set the goal of raising enough money to buy 5,000 meals for Union Gospel Mission by Easter.

He learned Sunday morning that he shattered that goal, raising enough for 8,295 meals.

"I feel pretty good," Ethan said.

His parents were much less humble.

"That's miraculous, as far as I'm concerned," said Heather Becerra, Ethan's mother.

Ethan set the goal about six weeks ago, after seeing his mom read a newsletter from Union Gospel Mission. The letter pointed out that a donation of $1.92 could buy someone in need a meal.

His mom pointed out that Ethan got $5 a week for allowance, then suggested he donate a few dollars.

Ethan had a better idea.

"I'm not gonna do that," he told her. "I'm gonna donate $30" - all of the money in his piggy bank.

Then Ethan issued a challenge of sorts.

"I said, 'Mom, I think grownups have $2, too.'"

Before long, his parents were matching Ethan's donation, then other relatives joined the effort.

That's when Ethan set his 5,000-meal goal, drawing a good deal of publicity, including a few appearances on KING 5.

"His heart must be awfully big," said Billie Tague, a Union Gospel Mission volunteer.

The organization said 8,295 meals will go a long way.

"If a 7-year-old can do it, then all of us can do it," said team leader Marvin Gray. "I just love his vision: 'I think adults have $2, too, mom.'"

Ethan is not done with his fundraising efforts. He now hopes to reach 10,000 meals by the end of the school year.

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