CYPRESS, Calif.— If only one word could describe Steven H. Bryson, it would be steadfast. Steve operates each of his four organizations with passionate determination and constantly exceeds the expectations of his customers, his employees, and his community. Mr. Bryson founded the Cypress-based Never Forgotten Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit to provide unconditional resources and serve the needs of impoverished people around the world. It is his firm belief that the fortunate have an obligation to give back; “pay it forward” so to speak. Last year’s holiday donation of over 20,000 meals to the Long Beach Rescue Mission (LBRM) was not matched this year. At approximately 5 p.m. on Friday, December 3, the Never Forgotten Foundation tripled their donation with 60,000 meals and various requested personal items.
The passion to bring aid to the less fortunate is commonplace in the Bryson household. His daughter, Samantha Bryson, has not only volunteered regularly at the shelter, but also donated a year of her time to ensure that the orphaned children in Ethiopia are “never forgotten”. In January 2010, Steve’s son, Scott Bryson, helped organize and charter a private jet filled with food and medical supplies to help with the Haiti disaster.
As Bryson’s other organizations including payment processor Global Electronic Technology (Inc.), record label I55 Productions (LLC), and online billing solutions firm OrbitalPay (LLC) continue to prosper, he is giving back more than ever. Along with the California donation, NFF also completed a similar project in Memphis, Tennessee. To support the Blues musicians in his hometown, who Bryson believes keep the city alive, he mailed out holiday cards with a significant cash donation with a goal of feeding the performers as well as to provide them with some extra spending money.
While the Bryson family solely funded previous years’ donations, this year the community has responded. Local businesses have been kind enough to provide discounted rates on meat, non-perishable items, and delivery methods. Without the support of the Bryson family, generous donors, employees of Global Electronic Technology and the supportive local businesses, this year wouldn’t have been as successful as it was.
The directors of NFF chose the Long Beach and Orange County Rescue Mission as recipients for the donation because of their all-encompassing programs, which include assistance and counseling for victims of domestic violence as well as services for those suffering with drug and alcohol dependency. Both organizations serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, as well as provide shelter and clothes to the less fortunate in the community. Reverend James Lewis, President of LBRM, has expressed the magnitude and impact of the Never Forgotten Foundation’s donation on the community, naming Bryson “one of the largest single donors we’ve ever had”. Mr. Bryson hopes that all his efforts will encourage others to donate more to the needy, and that alone is thanks enough.
