The Pay It Forward Fund.
What a great idea!
Created by Tami Graham following her cancer diagnosis and subsequent surgery last year, the fund is a unique show of gratitude for the amazing generosity that was shown to her during that time.
Graham's friends put together a fundraiser for her to offset her medical expenses, giving her a much-needed break and time to heave a huge sigh of relief. Medical expenses were, as a result, mostly taken care of.
"As such," Graham said, "I was motivated to create a fund that could support Mancos Valley residents, who have found themselves facing unexpected bills related to a medical situation."
The fund is a new project that comes under the auspices of Mancos Valley Resources, (a 501c3 umbrella organization for grassroots community projects). All the donations that are received can be tax-deductible.
While the fund is still in the planning stages as far as who can apply for assistance, the fundraising efforts are taking shape in the form of the Spring Hoedown and the Pancake Breakfast during the Mancos Melt.
Paying it forward is a concept with which many of us are familiar. Instead of worrying about paying someone back for their generosity, if something nice is done for you, you simply do something nice for someone else. It might be down the line a few weeks, a few months, or even a few years. But when you pay it forward, the recipient of your generosity will probably need it at the time. And then they, in turn, can do something for someone THEY know.
Jeanne Archambeault
Mancos Times editor