Our Foundation has received some sad news: Walter Anderson, who, along with his son Malik, was selected as our family for this past year’s annual holiday giving program, passed away unexpectedly last weekend.
You may recall from that story that Walter had been enduring health challenges for some time. Yet he had overcome much and was on his way to recovering from a recent hip replacement.
Watch the story here:
So this news hits hard for his loves ones.
Through our visit just before Christmas—which many of you helped make possible with your gifts and financial donations—we learned this wasn't just a single father and son in financial need. Walter was a man deserving of this generosity for all he'd given over the years. He had contributed through his work with schools, his volunteering with youth and local parks, and his passion project: Walt’s Smokehouse BBQ.
Those who donated to our delivery were eager to continue supporting the family. And the comments I've seen on Facebook posts about Walter's passing have only corroborated the impact he had—many grateful for role he played for them when growing up.
I hope we can take some of that positive energy and direct it toward helping Walter's adult daughter, Jayla, with her GoFundMe as she works to give him the memorial he deserves. Unfortunately, Walter was experiencing financial difficulties, so there isn't much to draw from for a proper send-off and to leave Malik.
Personally, I hope Walter's legacy can be carried on through his son Malik, who—in our brief encounter—exhibited remarkable maturity, generosity, and warmth. He welcomed us into their home, just as his father did, and even thought to give us a little something for the holidays as well.
God bless Walter and the extraordinary life he lived—one that clearly touched many people who will carry on his legacy for generations to come.
-Brandon