The 64-year-old is well-known for his love, light, and caring heart — and now he needs help from his community as faces unprecedented circumstances and hardships
Gandhi famously stated that “the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” For Orange County’s Jay White, a 64-year-old Special Olympian with a powerhouse voice and a heart of gold, truer words have never been spoken. However, Jay White didn’t just find himself in service of others – he helped unite an entire community through 55 years of tireless and joyful dedication to performing, fundraising, and championing change and the betterment of the community he so proudly served.
Unfortunately, Jay’s mother recently passed away, leaving him orphaned and unable to support himself, live on his own, or care for himself. Left with nearly nothing, Jay is currently living under the care, kindness, and conservatorship of the Schell family, who are rallying the community Jay has impacted so deeply to step in and lend a helping hand in his time of need.
Jay has not had an easy life, to say the least. Growing up on the East Coast, facing racism, discrimination for his disabilities and domestic violence, Jay’s early childhood was incredibly turbulent. Upon moving to California with his mother he began a new chapter, a new life, and new passions. However, discrimination in schools throughout Orange County inevitably followed, prohibiting him from receiving the education he deserved.
Despite his developmental challenges, Jay has always been incredibly driven, motivated, passionate, and hard-working at everything he was drawn to. From singing to athletics, art, painting, building, and everything in between, Jay has never done anything small — in everything he tries he goes all in, with his whole heart, and it shows. Jay has proudly used his gift for singing all over the country. From New York to Nevada, Tennessee, Illinois, Colorado, Indiana, Minnesota, and countless other states and cities, Jay has been a sweet and soothing voice to thousands.
Jay has spent over 55 years volunteering, singing, and performing for foundations and fundraisers like the Very Special Arts, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, and the Special Olympics. His charitable heart has helped raise millions of dollars to contribute to his community and beyond, and only once in 55 years did he accept any payment to perform. Jay has performed alongside music legends like Steven Tyler, Kristina McBride, and Travis Tritt, just to name a few; and he has boldly and beautifully sung the National Anthem at countless events across SoCal including games for the Anaheim Ducks, Padres, and Special Olympics.
A proud Knight of Columbus, Jay has been a pristine example of faith, boldness, and brotherhood in action — representing the over 2 million men worldwide. Jay has also helped build over 16 Habitat homes in the US and has been given the Good Neighbor Award. His work has caught the attention of mayors, police officers, firefighters, local school coaches, and even former Presidents.
As an outstanding citizen, and now orphan who faces the unique challenges of special developmental needs, Jay requires an extra helping hand to navigate his day-to-day life. Jay requires medical assistance, housing assistance, caregivers, and dental work at a minimum. In addition to financial assistance, Jay needs new opportunities to help support Jay’s dream of living independently.
Jay may have challenges, he may be orphaned, and he may have the odds stacked against him — but he has big dreams. Jay wants so badly to get a fun job or become a brand ambassador in the sports sector to break barriers and become a beacon for disability inclusion. He also dreams of going back to school to obtain the education he deserves and attend an art program where he can paint and master his craft.
Jay has given his heart and soul to the communities of Orange County, Kansas City, Chicago, and far beyond. Without the selflessness and sacrifice of the Schell family, Jay will most certainly face homelessness. Since 1999 the Schells have known and loved Jay dearly, just as so many others do. In any family, when one member is hurting the others join hand-in-hand to rally around them and lift them to get them through the storm. Time to join hands.
To learn more about Jay White, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/jay-white-special-olympian
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Media Contact
Company Name: Jay White
Contact Person: Hannah Spraker
Email: Send Email
City: Orange County
State: CA
Country: United States
Website: https://www.gofundme.com/f/jay-white-special-olympian
The post Meet Jay White: The Newly Orphaned Special Olympian Who Despite All Odds Has Become a Cornerstone of the SoCal Community first appeared on PressRelease.cc.
Meet Jay White: The Newly Orphaned Special Olympian Who Despite All Odds Has Become a Cornerstone of the SoCal Community first appeared on Web and IT News.