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Looking Forward and Reflecting Back

Updated: Jan 13, 2022

When the holidays get closer, I withdraw.

Apologies for the silence, but we’re still here.


One song from KayLeigh’s playlist that’s been rolling in my head lately is Shake It Out, by Florence + The Machine, with the phrase, “It's always darkest before the dawn.”



So, It’s a new year; 2022. Nice thing about this is that I like even numbers, so we’re off to a good start.

Let’s take a quick look back at 2021

  • The Kathryn Leigh Thurgaland Foundation was established as a 501(c)(3) private operating foundation July 13, 2021.


  • The Board of Directors, Jodell, Todd, Elizabeth, Avery, and Ryan, met 19 times last year, with each meeting lasting up to 2 hours, in most cases. We’re a very passionate group, especially when it comes to Kathryn.


  • The Kathryn Leigh Thurgaland Foundation has received just over $39,000 in monetary and in-kind donations. We can’t thank you enough for your contributions!


  • One scholarship was awarded to a 2021 graduate of The Villages Charter High School; Matia Prescott. She’s had a successful first semester at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City, and is ready to tackle the spring semester after enjoying her holiday break.




  • Our artwork was featured on the wall at Eaton’s Beach, and also in a local newspaper.

How did this happen?

Well, we were contacted by Lily Ulate, head of coordinating the second annual art festival at Eaton’s Beach, and offered a booth for the day’s events. She knew that eventually we were going to show Kathryn’s art, and asked if we were ready. We haven’t reached that point yet, but were provided the opportunity to raise awareness of the foundation by adding artwork to the new mural presented at Eaton’s Beach for the new year. The chosen theme of the wall this year is “The Beach”.

After images of what we had in mind were provided and approved, we got to work. The artists involved with the “masterpiece” depicting a beach chair with an umbrella, Kathryn holding the KLT logo, and a butterfly with wise words from Kathryn, were Jill Overcash (Kathryn’s Nonnie), Ella Overcash (cousin), and Elizabeth Graf (aunt).


Much thanks to Lily and Eaton’s Beach for the opportunity, those talented loved ones who created the beautiful scene, and to Voice of South Marion, for sharing the story. Check out their online publication; https://www.thevosm.net/


  • Our very first #GivingTuesday was a success! Aside from sharing our social presence and website and the many ways donations can be sent, we also took part in the Giving Tuesday Fundraising Campaign. Take a look at what we shared on Twitter. Not only were we able to raise $240 in that one day, but KayLeigh’s big sister, Elizabeth said she’d match it! That means we raised $480 on our first fundraising campaign.


Looking forward to 2022

  • Updates to our website are underway. You might have noticed we did a little update to our logo, so now it includes the web address. We’re also adding more information about the Scholarships awarded.


  • We’ve got the scholarship application that will be provided to the Buffalo Scholarship

Foundation. We plan on offering a $2,500 scholarship to a new student from the 2022 graduating class of VHS and extend the scholarship for the next 3 years to the current awardee, Matia, with an additional $500 for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year. We plan on doing this for every scholarship awarded. The total each scholarship awardee will receive after 4 years will be $13,000.





  • Our venue fell through for our first KLT Festival, May 7, 2022. It’s capacity was 200, and we’re planning on more than that showing up. So, we’re on the lookout. If you know of any place or have any suggestions, please let us know. This particular program provides an opportunity for us to share Kathryn with you. That is what the foundation was created for. The festival activities are where her art is shown, experiences are shared, and you’re given a chance to celebrate life. This is also an opportunity to raise funds for the programs our foundation runs.


We have so much to do for our community and families in need and we appreciate having friends like you by our side.


I’d like to let you know that we have pages on a variety of social media platforms. You can find us on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/kltfoundation

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