The Keli May Foundation announced the Seventh Annual Memorial Walk for Keli to honor the late Keli Ariana-Renee Rutledge, the inspiration behind the foundation, is this weekend.
The walk will commence on Saturday, March 9 beginning at 8 a.m. at Discovery District Park in Ramada B, located in Gilbert at 2214 E. Pecos Road. The event is open to the public, who are invited to pack "blessing bags" for those in need and participate in a 2-mile walk in memory of Keli.
Keli, an aspiring 18-year-old Valley singer was killed on the morning of March 4, 2016 by an impaired driver. The purpose of the walk is to take back the tragedy of the day and reflect on how she lived. The Keli May Foundation was created to honor her aspiration to help those aging out of the foster care system and this community event is a great way to support her vision.
Beginning in 2022, the foundation started the tradition of packing "blessing bags," kits filled with hygiene, snack items and other essentials, at the start of the event. Over 100 bags were packed assembly style last year and handed out by foundation members following the event. The foundation hopes to surpass that goal with the help of participant involvement and monetary donations ahead of the event. Following the packing, the 2-mile walk around the perimeter of the park will begin for anyone wanting to join.
The Keli May Foundation is a certified Arizona qualifying foster care charitable organization that was first founded in 2016. For more about the walk and information about how to donate, visit kelimayfoundation.org/events.
The Keli May Foundation’s sole purpose is to intentionally connect with at-risk youth while helping them transition into adulthood after aging out of the foster care system. The vision is to provide care and services that complement these individuals’ efforts to achieve self-sufficiency.
Due to the epidemic of at-risk young adults exiting the foster care system who have limited to no direction, support or stability, the Keli May Foundation’s goal is to be the “Roots” to develop the possibility of a brighter future by creating a temporary home and equipping these young adults with life skills and a connection through community, love and support. For more information, visit kelimayfoundation.org.
