The Run for Kelli, an event that honors the memory of Kelli Joy O’Laughlin, who was killed during a home break-in, raised thousands of dollars to go to a scholarship fund for young people.
John O’Laughlin, Kelli’s father, said they are still tabulating the final total raised at the event that took place Sundayat Lyons Township High School South Campus.
“We raised about $30,000, but we haven’t taken expenses out and contributions are still trailing in,” O’Laughlin said.
The run and walk was sponsored by the Kelli Joy O’Laughlin Memorial Fund, which was established by Kelli’s family to keep her memory alive by supporting young people’s future education. It was founded after Kelli, then a freshman at Lyons Township High School, was murdered during a 2011 burglary of her Indian Head Park home.
The foundation has awarded $295,500 in scholarships since it was started in 2012 and has supported 47 students, O’Laughlin said.
O’Laughlin said about 600 people participated in the event that included a run, a walk and a 50 yard dash for children 8 and under.
John O’Laughlin said the run/walk brings together people who want to honor his daughter and do good for the community. His daughter was a runner and played tennis.
“It’s a great event for us to get together with our supporters and to celebrate Kelli and the work we’ve done in her name,” he said.
The clear weather provided ideal conditions for runners and walkers who also enjoyed coffee and bagels, face painting and massages during the event.
“It was a perfect day,” he said.
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