In the years since the death of former Emporia McKenzie Payne, her memory continues to touch the lives of so many thanks to the work of her friends and family.
That work includes the sixth annual Payne’s Promise Blood Drive which took place Sunday afternoon at Flint Hills Mall. More than 55 individuals came through the mall to donate in honor of Payne.
In addition to the blood drive, Payne’s Promise is involved in several other endeavors including supporting bike rides, adopting families during the holidays and through McKenzie Payne Memorial Scholarship which supports students looking to attain a degree in the medical field. Brian Payne, McKenzie’s father, noted that kindness has inspired others to give back, including one of Sunday’s donors who was the mother of a student who benefited from the scholarship fund in the past.
In addition to Payne’s family, several of her friends have been heavily involved with Payne’s Promise including childhood friend Monique Mason who has been a part of the group since “day one.” Mason tells KVOE News she’s proud of the work they have done so far and knows McKenzie would be too.
Payne, a 2013 graduate of Emporia High School, was preparing to attend medical school at the University of Kansas when she was murdered in 2018. Collection totals from the blood drive are pending.
