What is the “Abigail Grace Tsumas Foundation” (The Abbey Fund)
Abigail Grace Tsumas was a 16 year old child of God who passed from our world to a life with God on October 31, 2009 . She was a vibrant and beautiful girl inside and out, and her smile could instantly brighten anyone’s day. This fund was created to share Abbey’s everlasting spirit with the community, as well as to help those she encountered still feel her presence in their daily lives.
Abbey lived life to the fullest and embraced each day with compassion and hope. She loved animals, as well as anyone she crossed paths with. Abbey was a strong Christian and truly embraced the relationship she shared with Christ. Abbey had a huge heart and was willing to drop anything she was doing to help someone in need. Whether it was a dog in need of a bath, a house to be cleaned, a shoulder to cry on, or even a swift kick in the butt. Abbey never turned down an opportunity to help others. Her passions, which assuredly still are, include: God, her family, her friends, her team members, animals, the elderly, arts, and her schools and teachers.
The Abbey Fund will be a self directed account administered by the Foundation of the Carolinas and will cooperate with multiple non-profits in fund raising and distribution to the worthy causes selected, in concert with Abbey’s passions. The initial advisory group includes: English and Anna Tsumas, Robert L. Baker Jr. (Chip), Bobby Dooley, Landyn Dooley, Re Johnston, Cathy Parlier, Vivian Federle, Abby Scott, Gary Thomas, Zach Gordon, Doug Hendrix, Russ Winthrop, Jennifer Brinkley, Scarlett Perry, Josh Snow and Natalie Stein.
Some of the proceeds provided by The Abbey Fund will be used to support an effort called “Grace for Pets”, which was conceived and capitalized shortly after Abbey’s passing, as an attempt to help Abbey’s many close friends honor her memory by giving back to the community in a way which we are sure she approves. Abbey was working at the Troutman Animal Hospital
In addition, Abbey’s Girl Scout Troop 502 has chosen to write a book named Walking with Grace. To quote the girls, “we are writing a children’s book to memorialize and celebrate the life of Abbey. It is our hope that the reader will not only grasp the positive impact that one person can have on others' lives, but will also be inspired to impact others just as Abbey did.” Addie McElwee, a friend of Abbey’s, is illustrating the book for the troop, while Hunter Darden, a Statesville
Although pets will be a large focus of this fund, we would also be sensitive to special needs in the community. Whether through a special scholarship, one-time emergency,
special cause, or other local humanitarian or animal need, the foundation will be willing to entertain requests for help in many areas known to be close to Abbey’s heart. As importantly, the Abbey Fund will provide needed healing among her large community of friends, her family, and for the community she cared so much about. It will allow those who loved Abbey, and even those who never knew her, to help others in the very special and unique way that Abbey exemplified each day of her life.
In closing, we ask your prayerful consideration to support this worthy cause and help continue the spirit that Abigail Grace Tsumas inspired in so many during her short time with us.
Harry, Ellen, Anna & English
