History of the Brianna Fund
The Brianna Fund is named for Brianna N. Johnson who was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a condition that causes brittle bones and severe fractures. One Sunday afternoon, Brianna’s parents and Godparents came together to discuss what could be done to help increase Brianna’s access to the community at large. It was decided that a fundraiser would be held to help off-set the cost of an accessible van for the family, and seeing that there were similar needs in the community, chose to expand the mission of The Brianna Fund to serve others.
On October 17, 1998, with a proclamation from the Mayor declaring it to be “Brianna N. Johnson Day” in the City of Springfield, the very active steering committee, driven by Ronn and Donna Johnson, Frank and Dora Robinson and Honorary Chair, Harvey Clay, a grassroots community effort was kicked-off at Greater Springfield Lincoln Mercury on Boston Rd. in Springfield.
The response from the community was overwhelming! People came from as far as Worcester, MA to make a donation. WTCC radio station did a live broadcast and people from across the State came to make a donation. Because of the heart-warming support from folks in the community and other parts of the country, the fundraising efforts more than exceeded the group’s expectations. An anonymous donor from outside of the State of Massachusetts, send a check for $50,000 to get the fund started. More than $70,000 was raised at the kick-off which enabled the BF to make its first grant to the Johnson family in its first year of existence.
With the continued support of many dedicated volunteers and donors, the Brianna Fund has provided grants to over 40 families and will support two additional families in 2013. This organization has been a true resource in the Springfield community for 15 years.
On October 17, 1998, with a proclamation from the Mayor declaring it to be “Brianna N. Johnson Day” in the City of Springfield, the very active steering committee, driven by Ronn and Donna Johnson, Frank and Dora Robinson and Honorary Chair, Harvey Clay, a grassroots community effort was kicked-off at Greater Springfield Lincoln Mercury on Boston Rd. in Springfield.
The response from the community was overwhelming! People came from as far as Worcester, MA to make a donation. WTCC radio station did a live broadcast and people from across the State came to make a donation. Because of the heart-warming support from folks in the community and other parts of the country, the fundraising efforts more than exceeded the group’s expectations. An anonymous donor from outside of the State of Massachusetts, send a check for $50,000 to get the fund started. More than $70,000 was raised at the kick-off which enabled the BF to make its first grant to the Johnson family in its first year of existence.
With the continued support of many dedicated volunteers and donors, the Brianna Fund has provided grants to over 40 families and will support two additional families in 2013. This organization has been a true resource in the Springfield community for 15 years.