SEMINOLE, OK-The idea was simple. Brent Sykes wanted to give his daughter a tangible way to remember her mother, Traci, who died in a 2007 car crash.

Mr. Sykes, a Chickasaw citizen, decided to establish the Traci R. Sykes Foundation. Today, his daughter Paige, an energetic eight-year-old, is bringing joy, peace, happiness and educational opportunities to others through foundation gifts in her mother's name.

"When she was about five, she began talking about the meaning of the foundation," Mr. Sykes said. "We would discuss where she would like to donate and ultimately I would let her decide."

This year, Paige took a trip to Jasmine Moran Children's Museum in Seminole and was inspired to give back to the museum with an admission scholarship.

Her dad and step-mom, Amanda, were thrilled with her choice.

"The donation will help children who can't afford to pay for admission," Mr. Sykes said. "Traci worked with kids and loved kids and we were happy to tap into that."

Last month, Paige was recognized for her contributions. She received the first-ever Youth Philanthropy Award from the Jasmine Moran Children's Museum. Paige was honored during an October benefit banquet at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.

"We stressed to her that the evening was not about being recognized, but about doing the right thing for people," Mr. Sykes said.

Paige's special recognition gala also honored other friends and supporters of the museum, including Oklahoma State University President Burns Hargis and his wife, Ann, who were the recipients of the museum's bi-annual "Jasmine Award."

Several organizations and individuals were also recognized for their support of the museum.