Wayne B. Smith Compassionate Care Fund

The Covid-19 crisis is not close to home, it IS home

The Chuckles, Chicken & Charity dinner & comedy show fundraiser that benefits both residents & staff in crisis has been cancelled due to Covid-19.

CEO Karen Venis says, “Everyone in long term care has been battling a virus that attacks the most vulnerable and those that care for them. For #TeamSCV, it’s not just something you watch on the news or read about online. After 7 ½ months of keeping the virus off campus, our team is focusing all our energy and resources on eradicating the virus from the skilled nursing facility and preventing the spread.”

The rising positivity rate has forced many nonprofits to cancel events. The cancelled annual Chuckles, Chicken & Charity fundraiser benefits the Wayne B. Smith Compassionate Care Fund, which honors a man that truly ‘led with kind.’ Qualifying staff and residents in crisis apply for the fund when they have nowhere else to turn.

The Fund Honors the Legacy of Wayne B. Smith

Pastor Wayne B. Smith was the first senior minister at Southland Christian Church and was one of the founders of Sayre Christian Village. He is fondly remembered for his laughter and kindness, and for bringing a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken with him to open doors and start a conversation. He was rarely turned away with that tactic, and he himself could never turn away a stranger in need. Wayne looked for the good in all people.

In 2019, the WBS Compassionate Care Fund covered 90 residents’ Medicaid gap and assisted 5 staff in need, for a total of $125,000. Pastor Wayne used to tell folks to ‘give generously’, and in his name they have over the years.

You Can Help

This year, the Sayre Christian Village ministry needs your help. Covid has stretched resources thin and staff and residents are weary of the battle. In the spirit of Wayne B. Smith, SCV humbly asks that you give generously in a year when your donation will make an incredible impact. SCV is ‘looking for the good’ in 2020. Please donate online at www.sayrechristianvillage.org. Donations over $100 will receive a ‘Be Kind’ long sleeve tee while supplies last.