For the past three Octobers, an energetic throng of family members, associates and friends of Constance Anderson Collier have congregated at her Monroeville home to celebrate the lives of Anita Patrice Mayo and her precious five children.
On Oct. 11, the celebration continued during the third annual Anita Mayo & Kids Scholarship Fundraiser—an event that serves as a yearly fundraiser to financially support the collegiate careers of area college students.
The event commemorates the tragic events of October 2003 when Anita P. Mayo and her five children tragically perished in a house fire in central Pennsylvania, near State College. The children’s father, Keven Brechbiel, also died in the fire. Fire officials confirmed the deaths were caused by carbon monoxide leaks.
In keeping her daughter’s memory alive, Collier founded the scholarship fund as a way of turning tragic memories into optimistic hope.
“Anita was a wonderful young mother who was very committed to education. Although, no one knows the deep hurt I experience daily, I felt compelled to honor my daughter in a lasting manner,” said Collier.
Anita, 34, was hearing-impaired and a graduate of the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf. She also attended classes at the prestigious Galludet University in Washington, D.C., and Hiram G. Andrews Technical School in Johnstown, Pa.
“Not a day goes by when I don’t think about my daughter and my grandchildren. This is my way of keeping their memories alive in a positive way, ultimately to help other young people reach the goals Anita’s children would never get a chance to pursue.”
Her monumental gift to the world was her longing to be the best mother possible. Her children were Dexie, Kayla, Abbey and the twins Justin and Jason, said Collier.
The silver-pink, and black and white-themed catered affair featured Chef Claudy M. Pierre who served Italian fare, along with a neosoul/jazz quartet headed by bassist Gary Davis with vocalist Iris Joy Brown, drummer Dennis Garner and pianist Keith Flowers. Noted keyboardist Kevin Howard also performed in addition to recording artist and vocalist Camille. Doctors Andre Perry and his wife, Joia Perry, offered advice on educational benefits. Tanisha Mayo handled special amenities and treats.
The event was attended by a variety of Pittsburgh area personalities, including those from political, religious and societal realms.
Noted newspaper columnist Patricia Henderson of the Akron (Ohio) Reporter, attended the affair and gave the event a thumbs-up.
“This is my second trip for the event and I see the continuous growth and support that it’s experiencing. The future looks very bright,” added Henderson, who is the editor/writer of the Akron Reporters’ Canton Connection column.
Mayo is not the only loss of a child that Collier has experienced. In 2012 Collier’s only son, James E. “Jamie” Mayo III, died of complications resulting from a car wreck.
(For more information access https://www.AMKscholarship.com. Scholarship donations may be sent to the Anita P. Mayo & Kids Foundation, P.O. Box 232, 322 Monroeville Mall Blvd., Monroeville, Pa. 15146).
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