And announcing the John and Sheila Kennedy Bryant Foundation...

To whom much has been given, much is required....

When my sweetie and I got married, in a small ceremony at our home by Reverend Dr. Cecil "Chip" Murray on December 19th, 2003, we both thought that it was important to share more than fond memories. In other words, we have both been so blessed in our lives; her in living literally all over the world and living what even she describes as "an incredibly blessed life;" ...and me being able to live my truth -- through the founding of Operation HOPE, and other related service efforts over the last 13 years or so.

We also realized that someone giving us a wedding gift, which would be great for us, did not compare to the feeling we would both get from being able to give to others --- through our union.  It was at that moment that the vision of the John and Sheila Kennedy Bryant Family Foundation was born. And so, we sent out wedding announcement cards, asking family and friends to make contributions to the foundation instead of buying us gifts. A special thanks to all those who responded...

We are pleased to report that the first official project of the foundation is support of and for the new John Bryant Scholarship in Urban Social Development at USC, for graduate students in the USC School of Social Work, benefiting low-wealth and under-privileged young men and women who - save their ability to pay for a quality education - qualify in every way to attend a school like USC. 

Some who have already made commitments to support the John Bryant Scholarship at USC include Shelley Freeman, Jonathan Weedman and Wells Fargo, Irv Miller and Toyota Motor Sales, Nancy and Barry Sanders, Tom Nix and Navicert Financial, Rhonda Mims and the ING Foundation, David Nichols, Lora Watts and SBC Communications, Paul Irving and Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, Mark and Diana Wright, Tim Chrisman and Chrisman & Co., Kraig Kitchin and Premiere Radio Networks, Lynn Pike and Bank of America, amongst others... On behalf of the first John Bryant Scholar, who will be announced at the USC dinner on March 6th, I and we say ---- THANK YOU!

It is because of dear and committed friends like Bill Wood and Lee Stein-Wood, who have their own endowed chair at the university, that USC made the decision to establish the scholarship  -- and to honor my work through Operation HOPE - in the first place. Bravo to you Bill and Lee, and thank you for believing in HOPE.... 

Lee Stein-Wood --- you are an angel on this earth young lady! We love you.

Individuals, companies and organizations interested in supporting the John Bryant Scholarship in Urban Social Development at USC can contact Rachael Doff.  Our commitment is to continue to raise money and awareness around the scholarship fund annually, on an ongoing basis. A priority now....of the John and Sheila Kennedy Bryant Foundation!

Onward, with HOPE