What We Do
At the Peyton Tuthill Foundation we help children whose lives have been shattered by losing a parent or sibling to homicide. We do this by providing scholarships and an emotional support network. We help young survivors understand their rights to be notified, to be heard, and to give them a voice in the criminal justice system. We have a committed board of directors and volunteers across the country investing their time and gifts to give hope and change lives. Young survivors need us to care.
In Lieu of Our Wine & Cheese Tasting
So Sorry Fundraiser…
…We are so sorry that your life has been turned upside down like ours and truly hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy. We are also disappointed to announce that we must cancel our annual fundraiser this year. Sadly, the violence does not disappear and the need to help remains. but there is still a way you can help our young survivors.
We are concerned with how Covid19 is affecting our cities. Our merchant partners have been devastated; and understandably, people do not want to get out this year. The So Sorry campaign will replace our fabulous wine tasting event and silent auction.
Knowing the needs of our scholarship recipients but realizing you may also be facing hardships; we are only asking that you give what you can to
continue our support to these well-deserved young victims.
Your donations from $25-$1,000 and our great sponsors, made it possible to award $105,000 in scholarships and provided a support network. Our work never ends as we continue helping another 12 young survivors. Your compassion has given kids hope, degrees and a role model to Give Back! You are a part of their story of hope.

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Peyton in the Grand Tetons on a one-month survival trip. Her legacy continues to change tomorrow for young survivors.
In Memory of an Amazing Person and Foundation Supporter. #50

On Friday, August 7, 2020, the world lost one of the nicest people I’ve ever known. I think we should declare this day as Michael Ojo Day of Kindness. He was loved by Florida State University faculty, teammates, and basketball fans for his leadership and giving spirit. We were blessed that he lived with us for 6 weeks after graduation before heading off to Serbia to play with the European League. He lived life with gratitude and compassion for others. He radiated kindness and was an inspiration to all who knew him. Michael had a passion for helping children. With his donations of signed basketballs and his jerseys he helped the Peyton Tuthill Foundation award 3 scholarships to kids who lost family to violence. He was a highlight at our Annual Wine & Cheese Tasting helping with the live auction and photos with guests. I pray for his mother and sisters in Nigeria. He talked about them all the time with such love. I will personally match up to $500 in donations to give a scholarship in Michael’s name this year since we have to cancel our event. Michael, you left the world a better place and your legacy. $50 for #50 to continue you helping survivors of violence.
October 3, 2020, Saturday…
Paint a Pumpkin at the Wiregrass Gallery, 120 N. Broad Street, between 11:30 and 3:30. NO COST while supplies last. Social distancing and masks on site. Small pumpkins, candy cans, canvases, examples, paints, brushes provided. No age limits and talent necessary! Tallahassee artist, Terri Eggers will donate 25% of any of her paintings sold on 10/3/20 to the Foundation. For 5 years, Terri’s “Painting for Peyton” proceeds have been donated to the Foundation
Thank You!
Thank you for 2019-20 Scholarships given in memory of or in honor of families and friends to benefit children of homicide victims by providing scholarships and a support network. If you would like to make a donation in memory or honor of a loved one, please click here to donate.
Johnny Johnson, son of Dotti Walker, Houston Texas.
Johnny was a giving and compassionate young man who took in a young man with whom he worked. The young man needed assistance and support and Johnny stepped up to help. Sadly, he took Johnny’s life. Johnny loved Christmas, and Dotti explained, “These are the memories that keep me going.” Christmases past and a keen sense of humor, have been essential for Walker these past two decades. Dotti, a retired photographer for the University of Texas medical school, has devoted her life to serving as a victims’ rights advocate. She has helped many other families.
Clark Davis, husband of Eleese, Tallahassee.
Clark passed away suddenly in 2019. Eleese has volunteered with the foundation and has seen the difference it makes in rebuilding lives of shattered victims. In her moment of loss, she asked for memorial gifts to be made to the foundation. Eleese and Clarke’s friends have honored the memory of their friend to help young victims.
Mr. Gregg A. Jarrett, R.N., brother of Aleta Jarrett Cortinas, Tallahassee.
Both Gregg and Aleta’s father lost their lives in their home in Coral Gables as they slept. A break-in was orchestrated by the doctor’s former office manager. The prosecutors said she sent her boyfriend to the Jarretts’ house to retrieve a letter in which she admitted embezzling from her boss. Aleta is an active member of POMC and Moms Demand Action. Knowing the despair as a sibling and daughter, her gifts have provided scholarships to 4 young survivors and she advocates for public safety.

Whether you help through monetary donations, volunteering your time, or spreading our mission through word-of-mouth, thank you. We couldn’t accomplish our goals without the help of supporters like you. We have awarded $105,000 in scholarships.

Families are emotionally, psychologically, physically and financially shattered by homicide. Hearts of Hope provides a small way to acknowledge the devastation and connect young survivors who have lost their family. Consider the loss of a child to violence in your family and the impact on your ability to function. Families are left paralyzed. The scholarships offer compassion and hope for the children left behind.
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The Peyton Tuthill Foundation is a tax exempt organization under IRS 501©(3) – FEID 30-0304121. Peyton Tuthill Foundation is registered with the State of Florida as a charitable organization, registration #CH25703. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE or a thttps://www.fdacs.gov/Consumer-Resources/Charities. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.