Edward Jones Financial Advisor Brian Tusa of Paris presented a $500,000 donation from the Dr. Patricia Smith estate. Dr. Smith passed away in 2024. Brian was able to assist Dr. Smith, a long time teacher and administrator on a US military base in Germany.
Dr Smith had no immediate family at her passing, but wanted Helping Hand, Plus, REAL Hope Youth Center and St. Jude to receive her savings and investments. Tusa said, “This community was her life.”
She earier donated a sizeable amount to the Paris-Henry County Animal Shelter, which was announced at the February Paris City Commission meeting.
Tusa said she wanted her donations “to impact Paris and Henry County”.
Helping Hand Auctioneer Andy Collins said, “This is just an awesome, awesome gesture”.
Photo: Brian Tusa at left, making the announcement, with Auctioneer Andy Collins. (David Jackson/Forever Communications photo).