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Meet Your Neighbor: Brad & Kristen Mainor
By Callie Thomas
There’s nothing that would make a parent happier than to know they’ve reached “superhero” status in their child’s eyes. For 89135 residents Brad and Kristen Mainor, it is their 9-year-old son Sullivan (Sully) Mainor that will be forever remembered as the superhero in the family. Their son was killed in a tragic accident on January 15, 2013. Rather than focusing on the circumstances of his death, the Mainor family and friends are keeping his memory alive by helping other children in the community in his honor.
Sully Mainor is remembered for his kindness, giving nature and contagious laugh. Even at an early age he always wanted to give his own money to the homeless and hungry throughout the valley. His former school, Ober Elementary, has created a special award in his honor called “The Sully Mainor Kindness Award.” Students can receive the award for being exceptionally kind and caring throughout the school year.
As a means of dealing with their grief, the family decided to make a donation in his honor to organizations that would benefit other children on the 15th of each month. Sully’s favorite thing in the world was superheroes, particularly Spiderman and The Hulk. Their friend’s 9-year old daughter came up with the “Superheroes 4 Sully,” which has become the name of their charitable giving. Their mission became clear: They would collect new superhero themed toys, clothing, blankets, etc. and give them to needy charitable organizations including the KLUC Annual Toy Drive, Peggy’s Attic, Boys and Girls Clubs and others. Superheroes 4 Sully’s first donation was to the Ronald McDonald House on February 15, 2013. Since that time, they’ve received about 5,000 dollars in donations that benefitted more than 1500 children across the valley. Brad and Kristen Mainor talk about coping by giving, the generosity of the community and taking one day at a time.
How does it feel to help other children in the community?
Kristen: “Seeing children light up when they are allowed to pick new clothes or a new toy is heartwarming and would make Sully proud.”
Brad: “Being born and raised in Vegas, it means a lot to help our local kids. Personally it helps to pass each day without Sully, knowing we are remembering him in such a positive way, giving as he loved to do in this city that he loved.”
How are donations distributed?
Kristen: “The bulk of the clothing and toy donations go to Peggy’s Attic and are given to foster kids in the valley. Many come through the court system with only the clothes on their backs. They get to pick something new and are told the items have “Sully Power.” The kids fighting cancer are given Superhero blankets and soft pillows.”
You made a big impression at the KLUC Toy Drive last December.
Brad: “Through word of mouth and social media, our tiny charity managed to collect 10 bikes and over $500 worth of toys which were donated to the KLUC Toy Drive.”
Kristen: “It touched us to receive donations from strangers and friends alike who had followed our first grief-stricken year and were moved to help and share in honoring Sully by helping the community. There are wonderful, generous people in Las Vegas.”
What are you most proud to have achieved?
Brad: “One of our proudest moments was when our daughter Taylor initiated a Superheroes 4 Sully Donation Drive during senior week. At the assembly Taylor and her sisters Hannah, Sydney and Avery stood up and spoke to the student body about Superheroes, Sully and the kind of brother he was. To see our daughters honor their brother and get involved in this charity fills us with such pride.”
What does this charity mean to you?
Kristen: “It is a way to give back, honor our son and fill the hole in our lives left by his death. Big or small the act of giving in Sully’s name will be our monthly tradition. We thank the community for their support both emotionally and with contributions and hope to spread Sully Power for years to come.”
