Wilson Medical Center Employee's $20 Donation Creates a Big Blessing: FREE SWIMMING AT CHERRYVALE POOL FOR REMAINDER OF 2024
A $20 bill that was burning a hole in Ahlayna McPherson’s pocket . . . and digging at her heart . . . has created a free admission initiative for the Cherryvale Swimming Pool.
Shared from the Montgomery County Chronicle
(June 13, 2024, Cherryvale) - A $20 DONATION CREATES A BIG BLESSING: FREE SWIMMING AT CHERRYVALE POOL FOR REMAINDER OF 2024
A $20 bill that was burning a hole in Ahlayna McPherson’s pocket . . . and digging at her heart . . . has created a free admission initiative for the Cherryvale Swimming Pool.
Here’s the story . . .
On Monday, McPherson noticed that the Cherryvale Swimming Pool at Logan Park was having its opening day. The pool was starting later than usual due to repairs.
She heard some people on social media criticizing the lateness of the pool’s opening.
And, she also knew there were some families that struggled to provide daily admission for their children throughout the summer months.
So, while watching the pool opening as she was getting her oil changed at a nearby service business, she decided to give the City of Cherryvale a $20 bill to pay for admission fees for any child that day.
She then went to Facebook to encourage her friends to do the same.
And, within two days of that initial $20 donation, McPherson completed a fundraising driving that will allow free admission to any person for the remaining months of the 2024 swim season.
That’s because more than $4,200 had been donated to this free swim effort within 48 hours of her initial $20 donation. That’s enough money to meet the 60-person daily average for the pool for the rest of the season.
As of today (Thursday), the donations are in full effect — meaning anyone is able to swim at the Cherryvale Swimming Pool for free.
All because of a $20 bill . . . and some big hearts.
McPherson wiped away tears when talking about her initial $20 donation on Monday.
“I think this shows a lot of people have a generous attitude,” she said. “It shows that kindness works. We need a lot more of it today. I’m a believer in paying it forward.”
The free swim effort was given a boost on Wednesday when Kwikom, a local internet service provider, agreed to donate more than $1,300 to the cause. That sizable donation met the $4,200 goal, she said.
And, any donations beyond $4,200 will go toward more swims for the remainder of the season . . . or be used as a seed to start the 2025 swim season.
McPherson and her husband, Nick, reside in rural Cherryvale. They also own Prior Creek Farms, which is a seasonal agricultural tourism business (open during the autumn months).
McPherson said she was moved to action not just by seeing the kids standing in line at the pool on opening day but also because of a recent sermon she heard at church. She said the pastor spoke from a passage in the Bible that talks of one grain of wheat can become a mass harvest.
That image has stayed in her mind — and soul — ever since.
“I know that scripture is meant to talk about eternal life . . . but I think it also applies to things on earth, too,” she said, while choking back tears. “It’s a chain reaction. When one blessing happens, other blessings will follow.”
