Page 110 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2021

GIVING BACK
story by Lynn Lofton photo courtesy of The Pat Peck Foundation
The Pat Peck Foundation was founded this year to honor the late car dealer and philanthropist who died in
August 2020. Betty Peck is continuing her late husband’s passion for helping others.
The
Pat Peck Foundation
“He was a very private person and I’m finding out he did things for people I didn’t know about,” she said. “He didn’t like to be recognized.”
For instance, Betty Peck has learned that Pat paid for funerals for employees who died, helped young people who needed college assistance, and aided several churches. She describes Pat as a workaholic who found time to help others in a quiet way. “He was instrumental in bringing the Sea Wolves hockey team to the Coast,” she added. “At the games they had the Pat Peck Power Play.”
Now as Betty leads the charitable efforts, she has joined forces with the Bacot-McCarty Foundation to have a broader impact. “They know where the needs are,” she said.
Some of those needs receiving funds from the Pat
Peck Foundation include the Humane Society of South Mississippi, William Carey University, the Buddy Walk, Feed My Sheep, Home of Grace and the Biloxi Rescue Mission. Young people who need jobs and computers, books and tuition and Christian endeavors are focuses Betty wants to continue.
“A scholarship was established at the Christian school
in Memphis where some of our grandchildren and great grandchildren go to school,” Betty said. “Also, we funded the Pat Peck Family Gate at the football stadium at Ole Miss.”
The latest project for the foundation is helping put in a road near the Gulfport First Baptist Church where Pat was an active member and Betty still is.
Pat and Betty Peck.
Pat Peck Foundation
12268 Intraplex Pkwy., Gulfport 228.217.5791
110 | December 2021
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