By Karen L. Alter, ABC, senior vice president

Every time August rolls around, I’m flooded with emotions – summer ends, school begins and the seasons change once again. It also marks an annual community event – one that I’m extremely involved in and very passionate about.

“Kristi’s Games” is a family festival and fund raiser held in memory and honor of my sister, Kristi Schultz Broughton. Kristi was tragically killed by a drunk driver on September 8, 2001. During her short life, she was very involved with her community and worked to raise funds for a cause near and dear to her heart – Lutheran High School of Indianapolis.

Prior to her untimely death, Kristi had put the wheels in motion for the first-ever “Lutheran Fam-Jam” as she coined it. As cheerleading coach at Lutheran High, a volunteer coach for several sports and a former high school athlete herself, Kristi was eager to bring her vision to life as a way to help students and provide additional funds for the private school’s athletic programs.

Recognizing the mark she left on our community, our family and leaders from the high school decided to honor her contributions by going forward with her plans and keep her memory alive. Renamed Kristi’s Games, the event is now in its 9^th year and has raised thousands of dollars for Lutheran High School’s athletic department, as well as several local Lutheran grade schools. The growing success we’ve seen is thanks to the work and dedication of many volunteers and sponsors.

Personally, I’ve always believed in the philosophy that it is better to give than to receive. At Borshoff, where community service is a core value, I’m able to do this for a cause that I care deeply about on many levels. Finding opportunities to give back to the communities in which we live and work and supporting organizations and initiatives because of a personal connection is where the true act of giving comes to life.

What I’ve found through my community service with Kristi’s Games is just that – a way to give back, show my love for my sister and see the fruits of the seeds she planted.

Please join us for the next Kristi’s Games – Saturday, August 28, 2010, 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Lutheran H.S. Visit www.lhsi.org/activities/kristisgames for more information.

Tags: community, Kristi's Games

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