How GCC Was Born - The Ripple Effect of Generosity

Generous-City began in the hearts and hands of Simone and Abby Gearing, long before it ever had a name. Rooted in their faith as well as being inspired by the kindness shown to them by people who barely knew them, they were guided by the belief that generosity doesn’t require wealth, just a willingness to begin showing up wherever there is a need without expecting something in return.

Whether it was cleaning an elder’s yard who struggled to do so on their own, handing out cold water on a scorching day, or gathering friends to cook warm meals for unhoused neighbors, Simone and Abby lived by one simple rule: If we can help, we do.

They swept the walkways of their neighbors' apartments without being asked, brought supplies to those on the street, and created a rhythm of care in every space they entered. Their generosity extended beyond quick acts, they made space in their lives to hold others through their most vulnerable moments.

One of the most profound ways they gave was through fostering. After much prayer and

reflection, Simone and Abby opened their home to children in need. For over two years, they became a safe harbor offering warmth, stability, laughter, and love to children who had known very little of any of those things. Fostering wasn't a role they took lightly; it was a sacred responsibility, and it became one of the clearest reflections of the kind of world they longed to help create.

And then, others joined in. Kat Carr, now the Vice President of Generous-City, was one of those people whose life had always quietly echoed the same values. Long before titles or logos, she was the kind of person who showed up when it mattered.

She’s the neighbor who will clean your kitchen, cook you a warm meal, and bring you groceries when you're sick. She’s the friend who sits beside you through medical procedures or holds space when life feels heavy. For two full years, Kat baked and delivered cookies to Blanchet House, a Portland nonprofit that provides meals and services to those experiencing homelessness believing that even small gestures can make a difference.

She has hosted and sponsored countless meals for our houseless community and supported friends through post-surgery recovery with tenderness and care.

What started as simple acts of kindness has grown into something much larger, a community powered by love. We carry the same heart today as we did in the beginning, and we believe this is only the start of what’s possible.

Together they created this non profit organization combining acts of kindness, culture, and fun ensuring that small acts of generosity by willingly giving one's time, resources, & heart, may seem to the giver as minor, but to the receiver could be the catalyst to change their lives for the better. It could be a reminder that they are thought of and loved. It could help restore someone's purpose and dignity. No matter how low you get in life, the struggles you face, or how rich you become, how much influence you gain, you are never too 'anything' to show someone else generosity.

"For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have" 2 Corinthians 8:12