Community Impact
The Parady Cares Foundation creates a positive impact on our local community by linking supporting organizations and resources to less fortunate children, veterans, seniors and others in need. The Foundation deeply believes in empowering the members of our community by offering them the tools and opportunities to help others build a brighter future. We support children and their families in three local schools, Veterans who face a multitude of challenges resulting from their service to our country and seniors who brave the changes that go along with aging. We contribute to local chapters of many non-profit organizations including SoZo Kids, AIM For The Handicapped, Villages Honor Flight, Combat Veteran’s to Careers, Alzheimer’s Family Organization and Shriner’s Hospital for Children.
For a more in-depth understanding of what we do, please see below.
Our Focus
Children
Our foundation is honored to partner with local elementary schools, and supports organizations such as the Sumter County Youth, Project Legacy and the Boys & Girls Club. Greg Parady became known as the Layaway Santa by paying off over $20,000 worth of Christmas layaway gifts in 2013. This unexpected generosity gained national attention and raised a long-term benefit that carried over to a number of philanthropists throughout the country. It also led to an awareness of the need for assistance for local students and less fortunate children.
Local Elementary Schools: Villages Elementary of Lady Lake, Stanton–Weirsdale Elementary, Wildwood Elementary, The Villages Charter School.
Children Focused Organizations: SoZo Kids of The Ocala Nat’l Forest, Tri-County Jr. Golf Foundation, Project Legacy, Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
Veterans
Veteran groups representing all branches of our U.S. Military are honored and supported by the Foundation including The Villages Honor Flight, Vietnam Veterans of America, Combat Veterans to Careers and Project SOS. The funds raised by the Foundation enable Vets to visit their Washington DC Memorials, receive the well-deserved care and support they need, provide resources and opportunities that enhance their quality of life, and provide their children with scholarship opportunities.
Veteran Organizations: Villages Honor Flight, Combat Veterans to Careers, Vietnam Veterans of America #1036, Military Officers Association of America – Lake & Sumter Counties, Project SOS (Support Our Soldiers) Inc., Jewish War Veterans
Wellness
Our Foundation strives to maintain wellness in the local community by combining efforts with support groups such as Alzheimer’s Family Organization, The Village Angels for Autism and Breast Cancer Awareness Groups. Local chapters of these organizations receive monetary support and service from the Foundation and its volunteers. Fundraiser walks, the annual Parady Cares Breast Cancer Awareness Fashion Show and other outreach efforts assist these organizations in providing resources and care to those in need.
Health & Wellness Organizations: Alzheimer’s Family Organization, Community Medical Care Center, All About You Women’s Boutique, Village Angels–Seniors Fighting Autism, Breast Cancer Awareness, Shriners Hospitals for Children, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Family
Our Annual Power of Gifting Holiday Campaign is the Foundation’s largest family support event. This campaign provides less fortunate families with grocery gift cards for Holiday meals, fuel for their vehicles, new coats, new shoes and other necessities. Our food drive provides thousands of pounds of food to local food pantries and families that are living in transitional housing at Refuge at Jumper Creek.
Family Organizations: Refuge at Jumper Creek, Beyond the Walls Food Pantry, Lady Lake Food Pantry, Community of Gratitude Food Pantry, Seeds of Hope Food Pantry, Men’s Residence, Samaritan Inn for Families, Benevolence Center, Children’s Shelter, Women’s Care Center
Special Needs
Our Foundation develops partnerships with local clubs and organizations that provide support for individuals with special needs. We provide assistance to organizations who support people of all ages who need medical treatment and therapy. The Foundation partners with the Nancy Lopez/AIM Foundation which raises funds for specialized education and therapy for children and adults who are physically, mentally or emotionally challenged. Shriner’s Burn Hospital for Children also receives support from the Foundation through our sponsorship of The Villages Shrine Club’s annual golf tournament.
Special Needs Organizations: AIM (Adventures in Movement) for the Handicapped, American Red Cross, Marion Therapeutic Riding Association, Cornerstone Hospice–The Villages
