On her 2nd anniversary of being declared cancer-free, Gail Nussbaum decided to give back to the community that had supported her. Now, 13 years later, Gail Pays It Forward is an annual event that donates nearly 200 Build-A-Bear bears to kids at Brent’s Place and Ronald McDonald House each year.
“My parents always told me that it’s not enough just to live in a community. It’s important to give back to the community in which you live,” Gail shared.
The first Gail Pays It Forward event wasn’t an event at all—it was just Gail and 40 friends making Build-A-Bear bears for kids who needed them. But when she dropped the bears off at Ronald McDonald House, the staff thanked her and said, “We’ll see you next year!”
“I didn’t realize there was going to be a next year!” Gail said. When her next cancer-free anniversary came around, Gail once again rented out Build-A-Bear Workshop and invited even more of her friends to help. The second year, she also donated bears to Brent’s Place, and has ever year since.
Over the past decade, Gail Pays It Forward has blossomed into a nearly 200-person event, donating nearly 100 bears each to Brent’s Place and Ronald McDonald House.
“It’s not just for little kids,” Gail shared. “We have 18-year-olds getting bears. We do a great job customizing them, too. There was a 17-year-old who wanted a cool bear and loved black and navy blue. So, we went to the ends of the earth to track down a blue bear, then dressed it in a leather skirt and blue top. She loved it. You’re never too old to appreciate a personalized bear.”
Gail’s generosity has expanded to not just bears, but books. During the pandemic, when connection was especially difficult for those with compromised immune systems, Gail began reading children’s books virtually. She also donated books to Brent’s Place, hoping to offer comfort and connection to children who needed it more than ever.
Several years ago, Gail lost both of her parents in quick succession. Recognizing the lessons her parents taught her about paying it forward, she wrote her own children’s book called Paisley’s Pay It Forward Adventure. The book follows a cheery teddy bear named Paisley, who moves from family to family, comforting children going through difficult times along the way. Through Paisley’s story, children learn the power of small acts of kindness.
Proceeds from her book go to Brent’s Place, Ronald McDonald House, and Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.
“Touching lives, one life at a time, can and does make a difference,” Gail said. “Whether it’s a teddy bear or money or a cooked meal, those small things make a huge impact.”
Gail is proud to support Brent’s Place and the work we’re doing for families in crisis.
“It’s a unique facility that meets an unmet need,” Gail said. “I’ve traveled to other cities and talked to people, and a safe environment with the services Brent’s Place provides is a very rare thing.”
We’re deeply grateful for Gail’s support of Brent’s Place! Her generosity has changed countless lives and comforted hundreds of children navigating their most difficult days. You can learn more about Gail and purchase her book, Paisley’s Pay It Forward Adventure, on Amazon or BookBaby.
