The Support You Have Shown for Tyler Ryan
has Truly Made a Difference
On December 28th, 2011, we at Jay’s Valet sent out an email and blog posted to all of our friends and business partners regarding an incident that resulted in one of our valet managers, losing a leg while acting as a Good Samaritan. The feedback and support that you have shown in response to Tyler Ryan’s story has been overwhelming, to say the least. Jay’s Valet is lucky to have the most kind-hearted, good-willed friends and associates that really step up and show support when it’s needed most.
Just a week after the initial email, on January 5th, Jay’s Valet hosted a surprise fundraiser event for Tyler at The Remington Park Racing Casino in Oklahoma City with nearly 300 people in attendance. Tyler thought he was showing up at his old workplace to surprise all of his friends.
Tyler was completely shocked:
To find the room filled with nearly 300 of Tyler’s friends, family and supporters:
Oklahoma News9 and News Channel 4 reporters were there to catch Tyler’s face during the big surprise:
Followed by an overwhelming amount of hugs and well wishes:
The surprises were far from over, when Country Singer Vince Gill stepped away from the recording studio to call in and speak with Tyler:
Houston Cowen also Skyped in to invite Tyler and his family to an expense-free, weeklong experience with Challenge Aspen this summer, a program that provides recreational and educational services to people with disabilities. The week will be filled with kayaking, skiing and other activities, including the chance to meet Vince Gill and Amy Grant, who take part in this event every year.
Army Major-General Deering stepped up to the stage to present Tyler with a Certificate of Excellence and a medal for his acts for being a Good Samaritan:
Clay Bennett, the owner of NBA’s Oklahoma Thunder, also provided the entire Ryan family with exclusive seating in his private suite for the following night’s game against the Houston Rockets. This was followed by the biggest surprise, when Jay Mills and Ken Wartell presented Tyler with a giant check for $22,500. This check includes $10,000 from Jay’s Valet (with help from our friends and business partners), $5,000 from Global Gaming Solutions, $5,000 from Remington Park, and $2,500 from Thoroughbred Racing of Oklahoma.
The entire event raised $31,379 for Tyler, through raffles and donations from the attendees. Tyler’s Mom, Shirley Coleman, helped pull the names for the raffle:
Jay’s Valet has made it public that they plan to continue support for Tyler for many years to come as Tyler will always be considered part of the Jay’s Valet family.
Thank you to all of you who have called in to make donations and show your support. This event could not have happened without you. It is amazing what can happen within just a week of a single email. There is one thing that we know for sure. Tyler’s tattoo will continue to transcend into new meaning, because with these amazing friends and support, he can’t help but to
“Keep Moving Forward”
Thank You!
If you’d like to make a donation by credit card, please call the office at:
Jay’s Valet Office: 888 – 368 –JAYS (5297)
If you’d like to donate by check, please send checks to:
Jay’s Valet Parking
10065 E. Harvard Ave Suite 801
Denver, CO 80231
If you have any other contributions or well wishes or are interested in the “Keep-Moving-Forward” T-Shirts or Wristbands, please refer to:
All photos were taken and provided by: Angela Wilkes Photography (www.angela-wilkes.com)
View Video from the Event Reported by Oklahoma’s Own News9:
http://www.news9.com/story/16463167/family-friends-gather-for-good-samaritan-hit-by-car
View Video from the Event Reported by Oklahoma News Channel 4:
http://www.kfor.com/news/local/kfor-community-helps-man-who-lost-leg-helping-others-20120106,0,3388069.story
