Keith Priest Charitable Fund

 

The Keith Priest Charitable Fund, established in 2009, is a tribute to our precious son, Keith, who passed away on April 30, 2009. Donations will be used toward the construction, establishment and continued support of Keith's Kids Village, a children's village to be built in the countryside near Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. This village will provide a home, education and hope to mentally and physically disabled and abandoned children from the streets of Hyderabad.

About Keith

Keith was an amazing young man; his doctors called him a miracle, his family called him their “Sunshine” because he had a way of brightening one’s day with his incredible upbeat attitude and big smile. 

Keith suffered brain damage at birth 36 years ago, and for the past five years has been confined to a wheelchair due to frequent seizures.  In addition to that and his developmental disability, he is diabetic and 13 months ago was diagnosed with AML, an aggressive form of leukemia.  The doctors told his family he “might” make it through Christmas, his favorite holiday, this year.  Some of his family flew from California to Tennessee for an early Christmas, just to make sure he was surrounded by those he cherishes for a final holiday.  His doctors are now amazed by the fact that he had defied the odds and continued to be upbeat and happy despite his weakened body. 

One reason Keith was so happy, he loved everyone and everything without reservation.  He had a memory like the “Rain Man” and recalled things of the past with such clarity it is astounding.  He enjoyed reminiscing with his friends and family.  He has been surrounded with a loving family his entire life and had no bad memories to recall, which validated his sense of worthiness and acceptance.  He has been a source of great joy to his two sets of parents, four sisters and one brother, along with a very big extended family and too many friends to count. 

Another reason Keith was so happy, he had no idea that he is so sick.  His mind would not be able to grasp the concept of terminal illness, so he wasn’t worried about his physical condition.  He didn’t worry about the future, but relished the past and the good times he remembered so fondly. 

Keith was a dreamer – he aspired for a long time to be an astronaut, then decided he would like to be a locomotive engineer.  That dream was realized when the Tennessee Valley Railroad honored him with the opportunity to sit in the driver’s seat and be an engineer for a day, complete with hat and whistle.  Another dream he had was to ride a horse, which he has been able to do through Hixson Therapeutic Riders Association.  His smile was never wider than when he is on “his” horse, in his special saddle. 

Keith’s dreams were not limited to what he wanted, he has had the opportunity through his parents to spend a lot of time with ‘Pastor George’ from Hyderabad, India. They developed a special relationship as George stays in his parents’ home when he is in the US.   Keith’s mom and step dad have been involved for the last several years with helping raise funds for George’s orphans and destitute elderly.  Keith loved to look at pictures of the kids and prays for them, asking God to bless them and Pastor George.    Keith’s heart was pure and his love of God was genuine. 

Keith’s family has decided that to honor Keith’s life, they would like to build a Children’s Village in his name in the countryside near Hyderabad, India.   Keith’s Kids Village will be a new home to all 27 of George’s current orphans, and also to as many mentally and physically disabled orphans in India that funds will allow.   Not only a home but also education, food, clothing and medical care will be lovingly provided, and everyone who loves Keith knows without a doubt that he will be enjoying every minute of watching them grow as looks down on them from above.   

A donation to the Keith Priest Charitable Fund will help ensure that these precious children in India will have a better life.

 

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Fund Administrators:

• Brett and Judy Mullin

 

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Donations:

All donations to the Keith Priest Charitable Fund (a division of CHARITYSMITH) are tax deductible in accordance with federal tax laws. Donations can be made using one of the following secure methods:

• By mail: send your donation check payable to:
  Keith Priest Charitable Fund
  c/o CHARITYSMITH Nonprofit Foundation
  PO Box 10750, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
• At Wells Fargo Bank: donations can be deposited directly to the Keith Priest Charitable Fund. For account information, please contact CHARITYSMITH at 800-276-6546.
• Gift Card: Donate in honor of someone and we will mail a gift card directly to your family, friends, or business associates telling them you’ve made a donation in their honor. Make a Donation

• By phone: donate with a credit card by calling our office at 800-276-6546.
• Online: donate with a credit card or your PayPal/Google Checkout account by clicking one of the links below. Please note: PayPal deducts a small transaction fee from each donation. CHARITYSMITH is a Google grant recipient, and Google Checkout does not deduct a transaction fee.

• Thank you for your tax-deductible donation to CHARITYSMITH's Keith Priest Charitable Fund.

• You will receive a receipt by mail within one month of your donation.

  This memorial fund is established as a division of CHARITYSMITH Nonprofit Foundation EIN 87-0636433. CHARITYSMITH is dedicated to the creation and governing of memorial endeavors. All donations are tax deductible in accordance with federal tax laws.  If you have any questions regarding this donation or memorial fund, please contact CHARITYSMITH at your convenience.