For it is in giving that we receive --- St. Francis

Alicia Harrington, a volunteer since 2013, was on the panel of guest speakers for KPF’s Athlete Celebration on Sunday. In her emotional speech that brought tears to eyes, Harrington precisely acknowledged the sentiment behind KPF’s volunteer family. 

Even in a pandemic, we are still marching forward as over 50 attendees Zoom’d in to this event. Although it did not take place in person, it was just as memorable, highlighting the individual and collective successes of our athletes. 

Moderator Shawna Block Gray, KPF’s Development, Etc. Director, kicked off the night with introductions turning it over to Kyle and Brent to recap an unprecedented year.

After starting the 2020 race season in March with an exceptionally large and successful Publix Atlanta Half Marathon, the remainder of the year derailed when COVID hit. However, thanks to KPF’s ability to pivot, athletes and volunteers continued to be engaged in unique ways. New programs were established to assist KPF families, races went virtual, webinars and videos were created to keep everyone connected – social media was our community platform.

Crowning KPF’s annual athlete celebration are the award presentations. 

Despite the absence of in-person races, crank athlete, Jessica Minton, trained and competed in multiple virtual marathons throughout the pandemic. Her grit and tenacity earned her The Lucye Caplan Memorial Broken Wheel Award. Presented by Jeff Caplan, a former KPF board member, the $1,000 endowment is in honor of his late wife, Lucye, in remembrance of her courage and fortitude.

Ryan Whitley, a long-time athlete with KPF, received the first annual Bethany Rutledge Courage award. This monetary award will help purchase a wheelchair to assist in his travels to and from racing events and around town. Bethany Rutledge was a triathlete and KPF volunteer who always participated in the John Tanner Tri the Parks with Ryan. 

After Bethany’s sudden passing in 2019, her husband, John, also a triathlete and former KPF board member, created this award to help deserving KPF families with their needs.

The Jake Vinson Family Grant was founded in 2015 in memory of KPF’s first athlete. To raise money to fund the grant, Jake’s parents, Scott and Amy, host a memorial golf tournament each fall. One hundred percent of all proceeds is put towards helping athletes while keeping Jake’s legacy alive.

This year’s winner was Dontavious Ridley. Kyle and Dontavious met in 2015 during one of Kyle’s forays through Atlanta, and Dontavious has been an athlete with KPF since. His request for an accessible van is now a reality. In addition, during the Zoom event, an anonymous donor was so moved by the outpouring of support, that they offered to pay the first year’s insurance on the van.

KPF is deeply grateful for all our athletes and volunteers, and as we look back on 2020, it won’t be the difficulties we remember, but the unity we felt. 

Written by Kevin Enners, KPF’s Project Manager of Engagement