WINNSBORO — Gabriella Foundation Inc. is a non-profit organization whose purposes are to donate to families who have children that die too soon and have burial expenses but no life insurance, to donate to families with special needs children, and donate to families with children with unknown birth defects. These donations will only be given once a year per family.

Gabriella Foundation was founded by Carolyn McDaniel-Ward, who founded the organization in memory of her daughter, Gabriella Denise Ward. Gabriella Denise Ward died March 21, 2008, at the Palmetto Richland Hospital with no life insurance, but with the help of family, friends, churches, organizations and Dave Pelzer, the well known author of A Boy Called It, and Metropolitan Funeral Services, Gabriella’s Home Going Services were completed.

Gabriella Denise Ward was the twin sister of Gabriel “Gabe” Ward, South Carolina’s 2010 Champion Ambassador for the Miracle Children Network. Gabriella had an unknown birth defect and fought the battle for 2½ years. When Gabriella died with no life insurance, her mother decided there must be other families with special needs children who might be in the same situation.

McDaniel-Ward decided she wanted to do something to help. This is how and when the Gabriella Foundation originated. Ward is a native of Winnsboro/Fairfield County, born and raised in the Greenbrier Community. She is the daughter of the late Robert and Eloise McDaniel.

Gabriella Foundation Inc. is currently seeking volunteers to be part of the foundation as executive board members and as administrative secretary. The Foundation is also seeking businesses who might want to make donations, as well as individuals’ personal donations.

Gabriella Foundation Inc. members now include Carolyn McDaniel-Ward, founder/CEO; Ronald Williams, president; Judy Ashford, personal assistant/secretary; and Earnestine Jones-Austen, treasurer. The executive board includes Dr. Keith Simmons, chairman; Harriett Hammond, second chairman; and Harley Jones, funeral director.