The first-ever Judd’s Pay it Forward Picnic was held on Saturday, September 6, and proved to be an overwhelming success, raising an incredible $90,075 to support families with children battling life-threatening or terminal illnesses.
The event, hosted at The Rail Yard, brought the community together for a day of live music, kids’ games, delicious food from Scholl Brothers BBQ, and a lively auction.
The event was made possible through the generosity of local sponsors, volunteers, and the Paris community.
Event organizers extend a special thank you to Michael O’Neal, Bulletproof, and Common Ground, who donated their time and talent to provide live music throughout the day.
In addition, The Rail Yard generously donated the venue, with A1 Sanitation and Sanitation Solutions providing their services at no cost.
The event’s Title Sponsors included The Beaver Bash Brothers, 247 Mesa, Big Country, and Archer Construction, accompanied by more than thirty other local businesses and individuals who supported the event financially.
During the picnic, two families were presented with $10,000 each to assist with upcoming living and medical expenses.
These funds are a testament to the mission of Judd’s Pay it Forward, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families facing unimaginable challenges.
Cheyney Bryan, President of Judd’s Pay it Forward and father to Judd, the event’s namesake, shared the inspiration behind the nonprofit.
“When we were walking this journey with my son, Judd, we experienced love and generosity from this community at every turn. Our goal with this nonprofit is to pay it forward to others who are facing a similar battle,” said Bryan.
Mary Payne, Treasurer of Judd’s Pay it Forward expressed her gratitude for the community’s overwhelming support:”We started this process with the hopes of giving back to others, and while we knew that this community would show its support, we never imagined reaching $90K in our first year. This has been a testament to how great Paris is, our local businesses, and individuals who give from their hearts to help others in need.”
Cheyney emphasized the importance of helping those in need, particularly in emergency cases when a new diagnosis is learned or an immediate need arises.
“There are times when families may need something urgently and can’t wait for outside resources. We hope to be a local resource to help meet qualifying needs of families and children who find themselves facing unimaginable challenges throughout the year.”
The Judd’s Pay it Forward Picnic will return next year, continuing its mission to bring hope and financial relief to families in need.
Those interested in getting involved or supporting the cause can contact Cheyney Bryan at (903) 517-9256 or visit www.juddspicnic.com.
About Judd’s Pay it Forward
Judd’s Pay it Forward is a nonprofit organization founded in memory of Judd Bryan, who lost his battle with a terminal illness in 2024. The organization is dedicated to supporting families with children facing life-threatening or terminal illnesses by providing financial assistance and fostering a sense of community.
