Angela Jennings
Her diverse background in complementary and alternative medicine, marketing, and work with other nonprofits helps keep our focus on celebrating first responders, our website functioning, and race sponsors organized!
​Celebrating First Responders and Paying It Forward to Those in Need
Amy O'Rourke-Smith
Her work in nursing and experience with races empowers her efforts to develop our organization as we celebrate all first responders along the way!
To pull off our day of celebration each year, we have had hundreds of volunteers stepping forward to make this happen! Thank you!
Amy Beaven
Her background in marketing and advertising make her a great support for social media presence and sponsor coordinating!
PayItForward55
Our Story
Through PAY IT FORWARD 55, we'd like to celebrate our First Responders, who like our Patrick, run into dangerous situations without hesitation to keep the members of our communities safe. We'd also like to give back to our hometown community organizations that have taken such great care of our family.
Amy O-Rourke-Smith
Our founder
PayItForward55 is a 501c3 nonprofit organization EIN: 81-3808188
Amy O'Rourke-Smith
our leadership team
We strive to recognize and celebrate first responders. From police, fire, rescue, and EMS to doctors and nurses, and to military personal of all sorts, we celebrate YOU! As they give their lives, we PAY IT FORWARD to others in need!
My best friend and husband of 14 years, father of our four children, Sgt. Patrick O'Rourke of the West Bloomfield Police Department, was shot and killed in the line of duty on September 9, 2012, while attempting to assist a suicidal subject with four fellow officers. His badge number was 55. Since he was taken from us, his badge number has become very special to our family. 55 also means, "I'm ok!" in police 10-code.
Patrick loved spending time with our family, both immediate and extended. He was very devoted to our church and our community in the Fenton/Hartland area. He and I are both graduates of Hartland High school.
Through PAY IT FORWARD 55, we'd like to celebrate our First Responders, who like our Patrick, run into dangerous situations without hesitation to keep the members of our communities safe. We'd also like to give back to our hometown community organizations that have taken such great care of our family.
The finds we raise through PayItForward55 go to benefit the following organizations: Michigan Concerns of Police Survivors (MICOPS), The St. John the Evangelist Fenton Outreach Program, Hurley Children's Miracle Network, and The Fenton Schools Athletic Department.
Our annual 5.5K race and family fun run help to celebrate first responders, those everyday heroes who we feel need more recognition. The race generates funds to give back to the community, helping those in need.
Stay Connected
PayItForward55 @ 2013