10th Anniversary Under the Tent
There was A WHOLE LOTTA SHAKIN GOIN ON, on June 23, 2012, as the Kate Svitek Memorial Foundation (KSMF) commemorated the tenth anniversary of its founding and celebrated the remarkable growth and achievements over the past ten years. Founders, Frank and Ellen Svitek were the special honorees, recognized for their unprecedented passion, dedication and tireless hard work in furtherance of the KSMF mission as a legacy to their beloved daughter Katie who died tragically in a snowboarding accident. An artistic two-dimensional rendition of a mountain range featuring the impressive milestones and growth of the KSMF fundraising over the past decade adorned the cocktail hour and dining buffet.
Established to promote outdoor and wilderness education and preservation for youth, the Foundation has far surpassed its original goal to raise one million dollars. Through largely grass roots fundraising, and limited corporate sponsorship at the Annual Golf Insurance Industry Team Challenges this early goal has been exceeded by $500,000, assuring the notoriety, strength and longevity of the Foundation. To date, the Foundation has approved more than 75 grants, totaling $330,000, and enabling more than 1000 recipients to advance the mission of the Foundation. In addition, the KSMF has forged partnerships with more than 27 organizations, including National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), University of Vermont Rubenstein School of Environmental and Natural Resources, West Virginia University, North Carolina Outward Bound, Philadelphia Community Academy, and Wissahickon Charter School, to name a few.
Attendees of the festive 10th Anniversary celebration were treated to a Memphis barbeque and heartfelt speeches from founding members of the KSMF, including Katie’s beloved brother Mike Svitek. Frank and Ellen were also presented with a beautiful tribute book from founders and supporters which can be viewed online at http://ksmf2012tribute.shutterfly.com/. The music of Blue Suede Shoes delighted guests with the iconic music of Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash. This musical concept originated when the four superstars fortuitously met at Sun Record Studios in Memphis, currently featured in “Million Dollar Quartet”, the acclaimed musical running Broadway.
While only time can endeavor to heal the pain of Kate Svitek’s tragic and premature death, the success of the Kate Svitek Memorial Foundation will endure forever.
