STORY

On August 3rd, 2007 six-year-old Wesley Mullins was visiting his grandfather in downtown Paris, Kentucky.  It started out like a typical day for any child but ended in unspeakable tragedy.  In the early morning hours of August 4th, Wesley was assaulted and brutally beaten to death in his grandfather’s garage.  Lewis Buck Ballard, the grandfather’s roommate, was found guilty of first degree murder and sentenced to life without parole on October 27th, 2009.  

After the tragic loss of Wesley, family members and then Paris Police Chief, Tim Gray, dreamed of the possibility of tearing down the home and replacing it with a memorial garden.  Unfortunately, due to a mortgage on the property this was not possible.  The property was never occupied again and the home was put on the market for sale in December 2007.

In early 2008 the family was contacted by an anonymous Paris citizen that wanted to purchase the property.  At the time, the use of the property after purchase was unknown but they were told the buildings on the property would be torn down and that a project dedicated to Wesley’s memory would be put on the property.  The Mullins family was overwhelmed and in full support of the project.

“This person is an angel, that’s the only way to describe her.  We were at a loss of what to do with the property.  The family members could no longer live in the home but could not afford to tear the place down.  We can’t begin to describe the gratitude we feel.  The entire Paris community has been incredible.”  Pamela Jacques, Wesley's Aunt

 
Mark Williams, friend of the donor, was contacted in early 2008 to assist with the purchase of the property and in finding the best use.  The original thought was to simply donate the land to a non-profit organization.  But, after much consideration, it was decided that this would not serve the memory of Wesley.  The plan then turned to exploring the possibility of building a community facility in Wesley’s honor.

Due to the size of the property it became clear that more land would be required to build a functional facility.  The owners of neighboring properties were contacted and in March of 2008 contracts were written for the purchase of all three properties.  In May, 2008, Wesley’s Place, Inc.  filed for 501(c)3 Non-Profit status and received approval on December 1st, 2008

The organizations sub-mission is to create an office complex that can provide free space to other non-profit organizations that will serve the community of Paris and Bourbon County.  Currently, we have several organizations under consideration for using the space, but are still open to organization inquiries. 

We have had incredible community support behind this project. The overall project is estimated at $500,000. The original anonymous donor provided funding to purchase the land and establish the organization in the amount of $162,000.  We have received over $120,000 in cash donations through local individuals, businesses and fund raising.  Volunteer labor and donated/discounted materials have saved us $140,000. Currently, we are receiving materials at a discounted rate running approximately 50% of cost and volunteer labor at a rate of 60% of cost. It is our goal to receive an additional $80,000 to complete the building.  95% of all funds are used for the construction of the building and 5% are reserved for administrative and legal fees.

Thank you for your support.

“It is impossible to say that what happened makes sense or was anything less than unthinkable, we can only hope that somehow we can keep his memory and name alive and use it to spread hope, happiness, and love to the community in which he lived.”  Anonymous Donor

 
More information - View Wesley's Place Video Story Here.

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