At A Kid’s Place, every home tells a story. One of our five homes for children under 18 now carries the name of a woman whose story is woven deeply into the heart of our mission — Daisy B. Lay.
On what would have been her 114th birthday, a private ceremony was held to dedicate the newly named Daisy B. Lay House, a tribute filled with love, remembrance, and purpose. The dedication honors the adoptive mother of longtime supporter Fred Lay, founder and owner of Construction Services, Inc. (CSI), who has been a champion for A Kid’s Place since its earliest days.
Fred Lay’s relationship with A Kid’s Place spans over 16 years, beginning with his role as a founding board member and continuing through his company’s generous support of nearly every corner of our campus. But his connection to our mission goes even deeper — it’s personal.
“My birth mother was planning to give me up, and Daisy Lay—my mom—rescued me from life in an orphanage,” Fred shared. “Her selflessness left a lasting impact on me, and I’ve always felt a deep desire to pay that forward. A Kid’s Place aligned perfectly with that mission.”
Daisy B. Lay, a single cigar roller living in Tampa, adopted Fred at birth when she was 50 years old. A former welder during WWII, she lived a quiet, hardworking life—but one rich with love. That love shaped Fred’s future, and now, through this home, her legacy will help shape the lives of hundreds of children in foster care.
The Lay family’s impact on A Kid’s Place is visible all across our 12-acre campus. From building the basketball court to installing shade structures and remodeling our Welcome Center, Fred and his wife Laura, along with their children, have poured their hearts into making sure every child at A Kid’s Place feels safe, valued, and supported. Their family continues to host drives, sponsor events, and lend their hands and hearts wherever needed.
Now, as Construction Services, Inc. leads the general contracting work for our new 12,000-square-foot Activity Center, Fred’s legacy of service only continues to grow — ensuring our children have more space to learn, grow, and just be kids.
“This is more than a building or a name — it’s honoring a legacy,” Fred said. “My mother, Daisy, personified what A Kid’s Place is all about — love, stability, and hope for a better future — which is what she gave me and what the kids who live here receive.”
This dedication is about more than recognition. It’s a reminder of the impact one person can have — and the ripple effect of love passed down through generations. We are humbled and honored to carry forward Daisy B. Lay’s legacy in the home that now bears her name.
To Fred and the Lay family: thank you for your continued commitment to the children we serve. Your love story is now part of ours — and we will make sure it lives on in every smile, every milestone, and every safe night under our roof.
