Love Life Foundation supporters have been making positive differences in the lives of at-risk children for the past three decades, spreading love and hope in local communites and beyond. Co-founded by Maylee Thomas-Fuller and her husband, McKinney Mayor George Fuller, Love Life brings awareness of the many tragedies inflicted upon children, and identifies supporting agencies and groups that bring relief and comfort to the young victims and their families.
Maylee says she's always held in her heart a passion to help at-risk women and children due to abuse she suffered as a child. In December of 1992, Maylee and George held a concert event benefiting a home for unwed and single mothers. On the day of the event, they were challenged with the worst ice storm North Texas had experienced in decades. But, as musicians, they felt “the show must go on," and it did, raising $3,700. That day marked the beginning of Love Life Foundation.
Love Life helps at-risk women and children in various ways, including hosting community events and outreaches, feeding and clothing the homeless, and supporting community organizations that advocate for those in-need. Maylee says one of the biggest highlights over the past 30 years was an outreach trip to Axum Ethiopia in 2007 to help bring sustainable water, electricity, food, and medical supplies to the St. Yared Orphanage. It was on this trip that the Fullers first met, and ultimately, adopted their daughter Milyan.
“It was a definite highlight in my life, being able to positively impact the lives of so many forgotten children” says Maylee. “Then, to so unexpectedly meet a young girl while across the globe, that would become part of our family here in McKinney, was nothing short of a miracle. We're all in this world together, and when we step out to help one another, that's when we find our greatest purpose and joy.”
Love Life is funded through individual and business donations, the Love Life Market located in the Guitar Sanctuary in Adriatica, and local events, such as the annual backpack and school supply drive and Foodstock, which is an opportunity for the community to stock the local food bank. Over the past 30 years, Love Life has donated more than $2.5 million in money and goods combined in its outreach efforts. Some of Love Life's local beneficiaries include North Texas Family Health Clinic, Hugs, Grace To Change, Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County, Embrace, N2Y2C, One Heart McKinney, Community LifeLine Center and Community Garden Kitchen.
To help commemorate the 30th anniversary, Love Life will be hosting a 30th Anniversary Gala on Nov 5 at a local home in McKinney. With 300-plus in attendance, the gala will feature local restaurants, wineries, distilleries, bands, a silent auction and a special Cirque du Soleil show.
Other Love Life upcoming events for the remainder of the year include Foodstock on Sept. 16-17, Chili Cook-Off on Oct. 9, Brunch with Santa on Dec. 3, Christmas from the Sanctuary on Dec. 15, and Gift Wrapping on Dec. 22-24. Maylee says she hopes everyone will become involved in a charitable organization so they can experience, as she has, the real joy in giving of on'es time, talent and finances.
Maylee says she believes the most important part of her life is relationships. "I'm incredibly proud of my husband and the service and time he gives to the community.
She says she and George have developed many lifelong friendships through the foundation. "Thanks to all of you who've made us look so good. We are humbled by it to say, ‘it has never been because of us, it has always been because of you.’”
When Maylee isn’t serving with Love Life or at the Love Life Market, she can be seen headlining in the Maylee Thomas Band or hosting her weekly talk show at Texas Homegrown Music.
Love Life Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization launched in 1992. This year, its supporters and recipients are celebrating 30 years of spreading love and hope those at-risk in local communities by partnering with local agencies to provide valuable aid and support.
