History

The Parady Family’s passion for community involvement led to the creation of The Parady Cares Foundation, Inc., (The Foundation) a non-profit organization dedicated to helping our local community. Helping members navigate the retirement years is Parady’s business; helping others in life is Parady’s choice.

Greg Parady made national news during the 2013 holiday season by picking up the tab for 76 Wal-Mart shoppers owing a collective balance of $21,000 for layaway gifts. He became known as the Layaway Santa, a story that spread from coast-to-coast.

Greg was purchasing bicycles for Toys For Tots when he overheard an emotional Wal-Mart shopper say that she couldn’t pay for all her layaway items due to unexpected bills and expenses. The next thing the woman knew, Greg was offering to pay for her Christmas layaway.

The truth is that Greg Parady and the Parady team promote the Christmas spirit all year long, making an enormous effort to get involved in the community. The entire Parady Family – Greg, his team and members – stay involved in numerous events that give back to the community, particularly children, Veterans, seniors and families who need extra help.

The Parady Cares Foundation Inc. extends to multiple causes that are closest to the hearts of members including Breast Cancer Awareness, the Red Cross, Villages Honor Flight, Alzheimer’s Family Organization, Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Combat Veteran’s to Careers, Autism Support Groups and local elementary schools and food pantries.

The Foundation hosts a Coats for Kiddos and Shoes for Students campaign, School Supply Campaign, Summer Snack Program and other campaigns that help meet the needs of our partners in education, Villages Elementary Lady Lake, Stanton-Weirsdale Elementary and Wildwood Elementary. The Parady Family generously supports these campaigns providing school children with basic needs so they can concentrate on their studies.

The Parady Family not only provides for needs of children at these schools, but also participates in the fun. Each year the schools host Field Day, a two-day event for students to participate in fun, outdoor activities. The Parady Family volunteers’ serve Ice Cream Pops and bottled water while enjoying a great day of laughter alongside the students.

The Parady Cares Foundation, Inc. is able to facilitate and bolster fundraising and support due to the kindness and generosity of members and friends who are always happy to give of their time, talent and treasures whenever possible.