Paying it Forward
In July of 2006, to too many people, Matt Logelin had said,
“I know how you feel.”
Since his wife had died, he had written a blog, which had suddenly, unexpectedly, connected him to widows and widowers around the world. In the course of composing entries and corresponding with this new community, he realized, in addition to inappropriately simplifying pain, platitudes offer no view of life beyond grief. Matt wanted to add something to the grief refrain. He wanted to say this, right now, is the worst, but you can make it.
Matt himself was starting to make it, and as he prepared to go back to work, he considered the four thousand dollars remaining from donations family, friends and strangers had given him since his wife’s death. The money couldn’t fix what had happened, but it had allowed him time and space to focus on his new daughter. He had started believing that his life would move forward, and in the relief of that revelation, Matt gave the money away, in the form of several small grants. The Liz Logelin Foundation was born.
Recently, the foundation received a letter from a former grant recipient. The letter thanked the foundation for its help, then explained the family had turned a corner, had a better year than expected. They included a donation so that another family might experience this same success.
“This means we are doing something amazing,”
Matt says, and he launches into his vision for the foundation’s future: legal and financial consultation for young widows and widowers thrown into running a household alone. Checklists and practical resources to anchor the process. Sponsorships that send widows, widowers and their family members to camps and other places of community.
Matt’s vision is one of support and empowerment, one that begins drawing the map to life after grief.
In the new year, help the Liz Logelin Foundation and its community continue to grow.
2012 Events
We have many exciting events planned for 2012 and we would love to see you at one or more of them.
Bowl for Hope: March 10th at 7:30pm at Montrose Bowl in Los Angeles, CA. Clickhere for all the details and to purchase tickets.
Minnesota Wild Game: April 7th at 7pm at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, MN. Clickhere for all the details and to purchase tickets.
Run, Walk, Hope 5k + Maddy’s Mile Fun Run: June 9th at 9am at Minnehaha Park in Minneapolis, MN. Don’t forget you can always participate in the walk around the world no matter where you are.
Celebration of Hope: September 22nd at Solera in Minneapolis, MN. Tickets available soon.
Mark your calendars now! For the latest information and tickets find us ontwitter, facebook or check the website.
We look forward to seeing you in 2012,
Lindsay Lewis
Executive Director
