Commemorating outstanding generosity and dedication toward the mission of Special Kids, campus leaders have created a new way of honoring individuals that have provided exemplary support and service to Special Kids by presenting the first-ever “Ruby Award” to John Floyd, Founder of The John D. Floyd Foundation & Owner of Ole South Properties in Murfreesboro, TN.

As an active member of the Special Kids Endowment Committee, John Floyd stepped up as a leading member in reaching the goal of raising more than $2 million to benefit services and everyday operations. In the past five years through personal gifts and encouragement of other supporters, Floyd succeeded in raising over $1,400,000 for the fund. Floyd continues to serve a critical role in fundraising; encouraging close friends, business partners and employees to follow his example as he seeks to help the organization continue to grow the endowment fund to make a lasting impact on children needing services for years to come.

Named after a past Special Kids graduate who personally impacted Floyd’s life as well as many others on the Special Kids campus, a young girl with a gift to bring joy into every interaction regardless of the situation. The “Ruby Award” title is also designed to invoke the teachings found in Matthew 6: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth... But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven... For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Verses 19-21, NIV)

Special Kids Executive Director Chris Truelove presented Floyd with the award along with a commemorative plaque earlier this summer, having this to say about this inaugural honor: “It’s exciting to think about just how our community will be inspired by recipients of this annual award... We appreciate all of those that believe in our mission so much that they want to become involved in ways similar to John. His commitment means so much to us, even more so to the families we’re blessed to serve.”