Hello May! We have another amazing Changemaker to share with you for whom we are so grateful! Meet Kathryn Takeuchi from Sabre Springs who participated in the 1st Finish Chelsea’s Run with her daughter and each one since. Each year she keeps getting more involved as she finds new ways she can help. Married to her husband, Eric, for 20 years, she is mom to Megan-14 and Kevin-12. She has been a full-time mom (and volunteer) since her kids were born. Kathryn’s #1 hobby is watching and supporting her kids enjoy their passions: band, water polo, baseball, academics, ASB, piano, and giving back to the community!
Here is more from Kathryn herself on some of our favorite questions:
CLF: How did you get involved with CLF?
KT: I distinctly remember the day Chelsea went missing. My heart has been with Chelsea and the King family ever since!
CLF: How many years have you been involved with CLF?
KT: My daughter and I participated in the 1st Finish Chelsea’s Run at Balboa Park and each one since. Each year I keep getting a little more involved as I find new ways I can help!
CLF: What do you like best about Chelsea/CLF?
KT: I love that CLF has been able to bring the community together! CLF has assembled an incredible group of dedicated volunteers. I am in awe of the strength and grace by which the King Family have dealt with their personal tragedy and brought so much light and beauty to the community in memory of Chelsea. Although I never had the honor of meeting Chelsea, I feel like I know her through all of the stories that the Kings have shared over the years. I love that Chelsea is such a great role model for others. She lived her life with spunk, passion, commitment, positivity, and a pure joy of living and giving!
CLF: What do you do/done for CLF?
KT: I participated in the 1st FCR with my daughter and couldn’t wait to find ways to further help. The beauty and inspiration from that day really touched me! For the next few years, we formed big teams of runners at FCR from our elementary and middle schools. Then in 2016, Race Committee Chair Jen Strachen invited me to be a race committee helper. This year I had the pleasure of being a race committee member, leading and inspiring the Student Ambassadors to form school teams!
CLF: Are you involved in any other organizations? Past/Present?
KT: My daughter and I are members of Poway National Charity League (a non-profit philanthropy organization for mothers/daughters). I’ve also been extremely involved at my kids’ schools, organizing fun and popular PTA programs like Running Club and Super Colts (a philanthropy program) and also serving in capacities like PTA Auditor, classroom helper, and volunteer at various events.
CLF: What is your vision of CLF 5 years from now?
KT: I would love to see CLF continue to be a bright light in the community; helping youth feel the power, joy, and value of giving back to the community! I hope that in 5 years CLF will have developed a bigger presence in the community and will have built a reputation for protecting, rewarding, and inspiring children!
Thank you Kathryn! With changemakers like you, your vision is sure to become a reality!