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Paragon Grants Ninth Wish for Make-A-Wish Child in Memphis

09-15-14

Paragon Bank worked with Make-A-Wish Mid-South to grant 14-year-old Carrie-Lynn’s wish of meeting World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) professional wrestler John Cena. This is the ninth consecutive year that Paragon has worked with Make-A-Wish Mid-South to grant the wish of a child being treated in Memphis.

“We are honored to work with such an incredible organization like Make-A-Wish Mid-South,” said Robert Shaw, Chief Executive Officer at Paragon Bank. “Our employees worked hard to organize Carrie-Lynn’s big day, and what a special moment it was for us to see the look on her face when her wish was granted. This is an annual tradition that Paragon looks forward to continuing long into the future.”

Paragon staff donated more than 150 hours of their time to prepare for this year’s Make-A-Wish event. In addition to spending time outside office hours to set up for the event, employees had the opportunity to volunteer during the workday through the bank’s Assisting the Community Through Service (ACTS) program. ACTS grants Paragon employees one week of paid time to support a nonprofit organization of their choosing.

On August 25, Carrie-Lynn was picked up by a limousine, which took her to Paragon’s Fountain Place banking center. Once inside the bank, Paragon employees played several rounds of Let’s Make a Deal with Carrie-Lynn. After winning the game, Carrie-Lynn learned from Make-A-Wish Development Coordinator Rebekah Sudduth that the bank was granting her wish to meet WWE professional wrestler John Cena.

“Each year, I am honored to see the dedication and compassion demonstrated by the employees of Paragon Bank,” said Rebekah Sudduth, Make-A-Wish Mid-South Development Coordinator. “Their willingness to fund and give the time to help reveal a wish to the child is just incredible. We are so fortunate to have companies like Paragon in our community and involved with our organization.”

Paragon was able to grant Carrie-Lynn’s wish with additional support from local organizations including Larry’s Pizza and Coletta’s Restaurant, who donated food, and Farris Bobango Attorneys at Law, who donated suite tickets for a WWE event.

About Make-A-Wish® Mid-South

Make-A-Wish® Mid-South was founded in 1986, by a local businessman who recognized the need for an organization to help sick children in the Mid-South. More than 4,600 wishes have been granted to critically ill children in the Mid-South. To give your time, treasures or talents, please visit www.midsouth.wish.org or call (901) 680-WISH (9474).

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