Here are pictures from the Walk for Kelli and the 550-yard dash. The walkers had the toughest time with the weather, it was cold and windy out there! They were great, and all had a great time.
The Run For Kelli 2014, held in early winter – November 16 – raised a record $52,000 this year. Click the link below for two articles covering the event. The live TV interview John and Brenda did on the ABC 7 News show. There’s also a link to the results page to see times of all the runners.
The Kelli Joy O’Laughlin Memorial Foundation received a donation of a 2014 Tesla Model S with 15oo miles. We auctioned it on-line with the generous support of ABC Auctions. In the end, we raised $89,000 for our foundation from this extremely generous donation.
Over the past three years, Tori has worked to improve the lives of women in Africa through the Light Gives Heat foundation, at the same time raising $5,000 for Kelli’s Memorial Fund. Read the story in Tori’s own words.
In the end, the man arrested for the murder of Kelli Joy O’Laughlin was convicted by a jury of his peers. It took two weeks of trial, and about 90 minutes for the jury to reach a guilty verdict on all charges. Any verdict under two hours is considered to be a statement by the jury that there was no doubt. At least that’s what I’m told. Here’s a link to a series of articles and TV news segments that covers the trial day by day.
This year we are changing our scholarship to a $1000 FOUR year scholarship, for a total value of $4000 per recipient.
We are offering two $1000 four year scholarships to Lyons Township High School and one $1000 four year scholarship to a pool of applicants from three schools:
Hinsdale Central High School
Nazareth Academy
Fenwick High School
December 21st, 2013 – Camp Tecumseh Scholarship for 2014
Alijan (next to Brenda) a 7th grader was chosen as the second recipient of the week 8 Camp Tecumseh Scholarship.
The camp will give Alijan the opportunity to build her leadership skills, meet new friends, build confidence & kindness. Alijan is looking forward to this great opportunity! Kelli met so many wonderful people while attending Camp Tecumseh. Kelli’s Fund set up an endowment to send a child to camp every summer to give them the same opportunity that Kelli once had!
Brenda and her elves were extremely busy this holiday season spreading Holiday “JOY” to the kids at LaGrange Masonic Home, Maryville Academy Girls Homes in Bartlett, Maryville Academy Boys Homes in Des Plaines and Maryville Children Center in Chicago. It was priceless seeing the smile on the children and the staffs’ faces. Thanks to everyone for all your support! You truly made their Holiday filled with “JOY”!
We hosted 600 runners and 300 walkers on a brisk and wet November day. The weather didn’t dampen the spirits of anyone. We raised $30,000 for Kelli’s fund during this event! Thank you to everyone!
The event was so large we split the pictures into four albums
On Saturday October 26, 2013 we removed and re-added all the lights on Kelli’s tree (that’s sits in our front yard).
We had sooo much help, the biggest help was the hardware and professionals from Walsh Construction. We owe a great debt of gratitude to Jennifer and Steve Kehle who provided this assistance.
On Sunday October 27th 2013, two years to the day after we lost Kelli, we relit Kelli’s Tree. We invited a few people over who helped us decorate the tree the day before.
We had 130 participants enjoy a great day to enjoy golf and each other company while raising $7500 for Kelli’s fund. Thanks to everyone who attended. See you next year!
May 24th 2013 – KJO Memorial Award from Highlands Middle School
Highlands Middle School 8th grader Hope Walsh was received this. This is awarded annually to the student who:
– displays a cheerful attitude
– possess a strong character
– inspires generosity in others
May 24th 2013 – 3-6th KJO Scholarship Winners announced
Lyons Township students David French, Maeve Plunkett, Rachel Walsh and Christina Yelnick were awarded the $2500 scholarship in memory Kelli Joy O’Laughlin.
May 22nd 2013 – 2nd KJO Scholarship Winner announced
Hinsdale Central student John (Jack) Girard received the second $2500 scholarship of 2013. This was the first scholarship Kelli’s fund awarded to a Hinsdale Central student.
This event benefits the Ronald McDonald Children’s Charities and this year our fund was added a recipient.
Brenda with some help ran a split the pot charity event, the winner received over $540. The winner then graciously donated the winnings back to our fund! Thank you!
Once the books are closed on this event we anticipate raising over $2500! Thank you everyone who participated!
May 18th 2013 – LT Lyons Baseball Tribute to Kelli Joy
Brenda threw out the first pitch at the 9:30 am game. Daniel, Kelli’s brother, threw out the first pitch at the 12:30 game. It was a beautiful day for a ball game!
The sophomore team put KJO on their hats in memorial to Kelli. This is a beautiful tribute to Kelli.
May 3rd 2013 – First KJO Scholarship Winner announced for 2013
We attended Fenwick High School’s Senior Awards Celebration and presented a $2500 scholarship to the 1st recipient of 2013.
This year was the first year we offered one $2500 scholarship to a combined pool of applicants from Nazarth, Hinsdale Central and Fenwick.
October 27, 2012- Sacajawea Park – Kelli’s Playground Dedication & Candle Light Vigil
Renaming of the Playground and dedication of a bench, tree and boulder
Remembering a Life well lived and well loved!
Family and Friends Remember Kelli O’Laughlin
Indian Head Park gather to remember gaurdian angel Kelli O’Laughlin Link to video of the candle light vigil <- Awesome Nice Job LTHS!
October 26 – Hinsdale Adventist Academy
Naming a memorial garden for Kelli and planting “Flowers For Kelli” in that garden
October 15 – Middle School Cross Country Conference Meet
All participants wore tee shirts acknowledging Kelli
Brenda and John presented the awards
End of September – Flowers for Kelli
Replace the ribbons around the trees with White Crocuses
We raised over $8,000 for the fund with this campaign
We distributed 60,000 bulbs, the remaining were donated to churches and schools in the area.
September 22 – Countryside Family Fest
We were presented a check from a raffle held during the summer. They raffled a donated scooter. This raised $1220 for the fund.
August 31st – Highlands District 106 Educational Foundation “Highlands Run to Fund”
Raised over $1,000 for our Fund.
Participants gathered pledges for participating
August 25th – LTHS Memorial Tennis Tournament
Freshman Tennis Tournament in Memory of Kelli hosted by LTHS south campus
Coach Ron LeBan and Brenda O’Laughlin
Link to our Memorial Page for more information on this tournament.
August 18th – Concert for Kelli
Kelli’s friends organize a back to school concert – Thanks Everyone!
This event was so big, we broke it into 4 pages
