What is the Shawn Higgins Memorial Fund?

"Hugo" (the funny clown) is the nickname given to Shawn Higgins by her father Hank Higgins in the early 1970's.

 

The Shawn Higgins Memorial Fund is dedicated to the memory of Shawn Higgins "Hugo" (1956-1985). Shawn died at age twenty-nine from a lifelong battle with diabetes. The Shawn Higgins Memorial Fund has been developed to help provide the funding needed to make a powerful difference in the lives of children.

 

The Shawn Higgins Memorial Fund strives to provide inspiration, stimulate growth, change perspectives, bridge uncertainties and create better lives. Our aim is to fill Shawn Higgins' passions for improving the lives of children living with diabetes and illiteracy.

 

We hope to touch the lives of these young people by providing opportunities; removing barriers and helping them face their fears. The fund is not just about raising money for diabetes; buying insulin pumps; purchasing books for literacy programs; funding tutors, or sponsoring reading programs.

 

To keep with the spirit and intent of what Shawn would have wanted this fund to represent, the SHMF not only tries to meet the physical needs of children, but also to provide them with avenues to further their mental, emotional and spiritual development.

 

How the Fund Was Created
Many, many moons ago (1996ish) in a land far, far, away, Harold and Mullowney were sitting at the Mirage talking about the vision of what would eventually become Players & Spectators. Harold spoke openly to Mullowney about wanting to own and start a business that was more than a venture into capitalism. He wanted his business to become a vehicle that was involved in the community and would make a difference in the lives of others.

One of the unique aspects about the journey was that from the beginning H.T. insisted that Shawn be powered by his family, friends and employees. He didn't just want to cut a check and drop it in the mail; he wanted to be hands on. This is what makes the fund so special and also extremely challenging. One of the byproducts of the SHMF is that it has not only had a very positive impact on those who battle diabetes and literacy issues, but it has also had a profound influence on the countless numbers of folks who have volunteered.

 

"Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead