SEEN IN
JOHNSON CITY THE VENUE
JULIE JOHNSON, REGINA JILTON, AND TRACIE MOSLEY
KRISTEN PHILLIPS AND SARAH MCKINNEY
HUNTER AND MIMI SIMPSON
The Lucy Simpson Foundation
Charity Event PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY CRYSTAL DAWN CARTER
The loss of a child brings overwhelming grief and often added to that is the stress of financial burden. Hunter and Mimi Simpson lost their daughter Lucy and incurred over $200,000 in medical debt. After the community rallied around the couple and helped them with their expenses, they were left with the passion to help others in similar situations. The Lucy Simpson Foundation was created to honor their daughter and help families that have lost children by assisting not only with financial obligations, but with suport and comfort for those families.
KAREN AND MATT WILHJELM
ANDREW BLEDSOE
The motto of the Lucy Foundation is founded on a verse in Galatians 6:2 “Carry each other ’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” This was the fourth year for the benefit of the Lucy foundation. Lucy’s table, where her family sat during the event, was donned with a small bluebird in a white cage. Other tables featured the Hope Box, a small gift sent to bereaved mothers by the foundation. Mimi Simpson says the box has a prayer card with Lucy’s story, a bible, and other materials to help parents know that they are not alone. Simpson hopes the Hope Box lets others know that there are others who have walked in this path and they are ready to help if needed. More information on the Lucy Foundation can be found online or on their Facebook page.
DEAMBRA HICKS
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may 2017 | www.vipseenmag.com
SARA HACKER, EMCEE OF THE EVENT
MELINA CHRISTIAN AND KIERNA MASON
KAREN WIHLJELM, HUNTER SIMPSON, AND CATHY PRICE