Granger Smith and his family just made a substantial donation to the relief efforts in Middle Tennesee following the deadly March tornadoes. The tornadoes killed 26 people, injuring hundreds more and causing devastation to homes and businesses in Nashville and surrounding areas. Through the River Kelly Fund, created in honor of the Smith’s 3-year-old son, River, who passed away in a drowning accident in 2019, the family was able to offer financial support to those in need.
“A huge thank you to anyone who donated to the [River Kelly Fund] during the month of March!” Granger’s wife, Amber, shared on Instagram. “We were able to donate $5000 to the tornado relief efforts in Tennessee!! Thank you so much for joining us in spreading love, light and hope in honor of sweet Riv. We love you!! #livelikeriv”
The River Kelly Fund was created to “support and bring awareness to causes including children in need, arts and education, wildlife preservation, military, veteran and first responder assistance, donor affiliations and many more organizations close to our hearts,” according to the River Kelly Fund website.
In the midst of the Smith’s heartache, the couple created the River Kelly Fund to honor his legacy. They have also become outspoken advocates for water safety with children.
“I wasn’t educated on drowning and how it’s the number one cause of death for children 1-4 years old,” Amber shared in a lengthy post on Instagram only a couple of months after River’s death. “And statistically, more little boys drown than girls. Most drownings happen during NON SWIM TIMES, when little kids aren’t supposed to be around the pool, but somehow sneak away undetected (which means they are typically fully clothed, diaper and all, adding weight to their bodies).
“It takes under 30 seconds for a child to drown,” she continued. “It is QUICK and SILENT. We’ve read as quick as 6 seconds. Brain damage can occur from lack of oxygen in as little as 4 minutes, if you don’t get the heartbeat and breathing back from CPR.”
To make a donation to the River Kelly Fund, visit RiverKellyFund.org.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of BBR