Giving Your All
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Paige Irish
Generous Donor
"I knew it was the right thing to do . . . there are a lot of people who need help, and I already have a lot of stuff. They might need help that could change their lives."
- Paige Irish
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On January 23rd, we received a $200 check from Paige Irish, age 12. It’s not the biggest check we’ve received, but it’s one of the best.
For some time, this young native of Kansas saved her hard-earned money in a box. She asked her "Grammy" where she should give it. Grammy knew that long-time friend, Jerry Simmons, was involved in many significant charitable activities. Jerry shared with Paige that one of the greatest opportunities he had was to sponsor the LUA Meet Me in Miami Premiere event in Kansas City.
Paige decided to give all the money she had in the box to help the less fortunate through Lift Up America. Taking into account her income, this is one of the most generous donations we have every received.
We consider it an honor to be entrusted with such a precious gift. We are so thankful for everyone who partners with Lift Up America, especially a young lady in Kansas who gave her all.
For more on Lift Up America, please visit www.liftupamerica.org.
Yours for helping lift up America,
Dave Hannah
Chairman/CEO Lift Up America
Photo Gallery
The Simmons Family: (Clockwise from the left back) Toni, Jerry, Brenton, Brady, and Bryce.
Bryce, age 12, had saved up $267 from gift money and odd jobs. His father, Jerry, was about to deposit that money into a savings account when Bryce, inspired by Paige's gift, also gave all his money to Lift Up America. Jerry explained to Bryce, "You are going to be just like Paige in setting an example for many people - corporations, foundations, and individual people . . . because you are giving your all."
Jerry Simmons is the Owner, President, and CEO of The Simmons Companies. He also serves on the LUA Board of Directors and was the key contributor to the Kansas City event.
Hundreds of less fortunate children and their families arrived at this Kansas City Cinemark theater in limousines. Never before had they walked the red carpet to the flash of cameras, cheering crowds, hugs, and kisses. They also received Interstate batteries, glasses from Luxottica, hearing-aids from The Starkey Hearing Foundation, jewelry from Cookie Lee, Charlotte's Web books from Walden Media, teddy bears from Ty, and more. After the movie, they went home with a big box of Tyson chicken and equally big smiles on their faces.
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