Author Mitch Albom wrote, “The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.” Shirley Pryor is the first entrant in Profiles in Generosity. Her work includes leadership across the metropolitan area.
She was part of the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault board for six years. “I appreciate organizations that help women and girls. My heart is drawn to good work when I get to listen to survivors talk about getting back into the society. When I am part of groups, I know that I have helped someone move toward peace. I also look for ways to get my hands dirty where it’s not just about giving money, but aiding the crisis line.”
On Jan. 19, the Challenge Your Fashion event will raise funds for the YMCA Challenger program Kansas City including Royals Pitchers Luke Hochevar and Danny Duffy along with other local sports celebrities for an evening of fashion and fun, benefiting the YMCA of Greater Kansas City’s Challenger Program. Fred and Shirley Pryor offered the lead gifts for the YMCA Challenger Sports Complex off of 152 Highway and Platte Purchase Road. Children with special needs now have athletic fields without barriers. The complex includes the Mark Teahen Challenger Baseball Field, the American Family Insurance Field used for football and soccer and a playground with an appropriate rubber surface.
Pryor says her heart lies in helping children. “When we see a need in the community that’s not being filled, you have to step up.” The Pryors have a granddaughter with cerebral palsy and that fueled their drive to help children. “We attended a disability day in Parkville. While some of the kids could play, those in wheelchairs and canes struggled.” Pryor Fellows from William Jewell College who must work out a capstone project and the Challenger project came from their work. “The Pryor Fellows write us and talk to us about the changes in their lives and how they have become more positive. When the Pryor Fellows partnered with the YMCA, we knew it was a win-win for the Northland. The fields are used daily and I hear often from many people who talk about using the complex.”
Shirley says the other plus is teaming the participating children with a buddy who doesn’t have a disability. “My granddaughter has had some negativity directed at her. When a buddy is assigned to a player, the buddy learns that their player is fun to be with and the buddies have continued with the same child for years. It’s a good teaching tool to get to know kids with a disability.”
And what sort of advice does she give? Shirley suggests people listen with their hearts before their pocket books. “First of all, people present their stories and what their non-profits are about and their needs. You have to feel it in your heart,” she says. “What tugs at the heart strings is a good way to find organizations to donate resources and time. You have to look at where you can join with others and find partners. The YMCA project became bigger than we had even envisioned because of everyone who believes.”
