Greenwood Community Celebrates an Extraordinary Act of Kindness from Local Couple
On a mostly cloudy day with a hint of warmth in the air, residents of Greenwood gathered at the Burton Center to celebrate a heartwarming gesture that highlighted the power of kindness and generosity within the community. The event was held to honor Jay and Judy Brissey, a local couple known for their community spirit and unwavering love for Chick-fil-A.
Jay and Judy Brissey have become somewhat of a regular fixture at Chick-fil-A, visiting the popular eatery almost daily. They’ve been diligently saving their Chick-fil-A One rewards points, and their efforts have recently culminated in a substantial donation that has made waves across Greenwood.
Earlier this week, the Brisseys amassed a remarkable total of 202,000 Chick-fil-A points which they generously donated to provide meals for individuals at the Burton Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting people with disabilities and special needs. Not only did their generosity benefit the Burton Center, but it also extended to Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries, ensuring that their act of kindness touched even more lives.
A Family Tradition of Giving
The Brisseys’ relationship with Chick-fil-A spans several years, starting when their daughter, Sandra, first began working at the restaurant as a teenager. Over the years, Sandra juggled her studies and work commitments, benefiting from the Chick-fil-A scholarship that supported her through college. Nowadays, the Brissey family’s connection to Chick-fil-A goes beyond mere customer loyalty.
Jay and Judy’s commitment to donating their points to raise community spirits has become a source of inspiration. Their friendship with Brian Whitaker, the operator at Chick-fil-A, and their deep roots in the community spurred their decision to give back meaningfully.
Generosity Inspires Community Spirit
The donations brought smiles and joy to the Burton Center, especially during the holiday season. Meyata Gould, the assistant director for day programs at the center, expressed gratitude for the gesture, noting it created a sense of family for many who might not have one during the holidays.
Mimi, a participant at the center, expressed her joy while receiving her Chick-fil-A meal, highlighting the positive impact such generosity can have on the community. Jerry Fields, an attendee, also shared his happiness, emphasizing the sense of belonging he felt within the Burton Center family.
Matching the Kindness: Spreading the Love
Moved by the Brisseys’ generosity, Brian Whitaker decided to match their donation, facilitating even more meals for the Burton Center and Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries. The collaborative effort underlined a shared goal of supporting organizations that do invaluable work within Greenwood.
Connie Maxwell’s president, Danny Nicholson, praised the Brisseys’ heartfelt actions, adding that individual acts of giving often meet the paramount needs of organizations that aim to make dreams come true for kids.
The Path Ahead: Continuous Acts of Kindness
For the Brisseys, this gesture is not an isolated event. They aim to keep earning points and continue to reiterate their commitment to aiding others in the community. They hope their example will encourage others to join in acts of giving and amplifying kindness wherever possible.
The Brisseys’ story demonstrates the remarkable spirit of giving that can grow from everyday interactions, like dining at a favorite restaurant. As they say, sometimes it only takes a small act of kindness to make a significant difference in the lives of others.
Contact a community staff member for more feel-good stories or to share your ideas on bringing positivity to your neighborhood.