2018 Kick Off Event

     February 23, 2018 would have marked Kirra Faith’s 10th Birthday and we really wanted to do something special in her honor. The Kirra Faith Foundation was formed and to celebrate we held a Kick Off Event in Warrenton. Heather and Greg Kochanowicz, Kirra’s Aunt and Uncle, graciously opened their beautiful home to the foundation and welcomed all its family and friends to join for a night of celebration.

     Chef Julia Tallman, a best friend from Hawaii, flew half way around the world in order to cater the event. She brought with her a true aloha spirit, wonderful gifts for the raffle from her Restaurant 604, located near Pearl Harbor on Oahu,  and even fresh Ahi Tuna for her Hawaiian-inspired menu! The food was delicious, and the display was dazzling. Mixologist, Brandee Haley, volunteered to bartend for the evening as well as donated a plethora of bright pink, fresh-fruit infused cocktails that she created to pair perfectly with the delicious food.  

     There was a Chinese Raffle with a wide variety of exciting prizes. A gorgeous bracelet was the hot-ticket item. It was donated by Natalie Dobry, a childhood friend, and her unique boutique Rust & Sparkle, located in Royersford, VA.  Jackie Perez, Kirra’s grandmother and KFF Treasurer, generously donated iTune gift cards and playful baskets for the raffle that all the kids went crazy for. Alexander Epps, KFF Board Member, donated an incredible prize of a weekend stay at her renovated barn in North Carolina.  The Organizing Maniacs and owner Cris Scgrott donated an organizing package valued at over $1,000 to be raffled off! Bristol Lantange, a dear friend from Kauai, donated a handmade sunrise shell necklace, a true staple of island style. The raffle was a huge success, thank you for everyone that donated and bought tickets! 

     The night was topped off with carnival games for the kids and casino style games for the adults.  Erin Hirade and James Miraglia flew in from Las Vegas as a surprise! And graciously manned the black jack and roulette table in style. Family and friends drove in from Maryland, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania to make the event truly magic. A deep sincere thank you to everyone that attended and made the night a huge success to kick off the foundation!

CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS BELOW!

     Every year the anniversary of Kirra Faith’s passing is extremely difficult. Not a day goes by that we are not reminded of her physical absence in our life and at the very same time lifted by her spiritual presence.  But on this day, more than any other, we are reminded to celebrate the life we have been given and the love we share with one another, because we know very intimately, how delicate it is.  
     In 2016 Ryder and I started a new tradition of celebrating our life by doing something fun, we imagine Kirra would have enjoyed.  We also decided to "Pay It Forward" on that day in her name to show our gratitude for what we have and share it with others. In 2017 we have decided to go one step further and invite our loved ones to join us and help spread love in honor of Kirra Faith. 

     We decided on a wonderful organization, B.A.R.N Transitional Housing Facility for homeless women and children in Manassas, VA. We held an online fundraiser with a lofty goal of $900 (for the 9th anniversary). We ended up exceeding our goal and raised $1175, in which we were able to purchase food, bedding, cleaning supplies, diapers, bins, shelving, and other household needs for B.A.R.N families.

     Ryder & I also volunteered our day to help organize the supply areas including the pantry, diaper closet, cleaning supply room, and outdoor bedding shed. Everyone was extremely kind to us and very thankful for our time and energy, and even gave us a tour through the housing area, which had been newly renovated courtesy of Ikea.

     What should have been a cold day in February, turned out to be the perfect day with bright blue skies, sunshine and 75 degree weather! All day we felt Kirra Faith right there with us. It was incredible to feel so much love on a day that normally brings us so much pain. We were moved by the generosity of our family and friends and beyond grateful to be able to do something so special in the honor of our angel. We were given something we have been dreaming of for over 9 years - a special day with our baby, Kirra Faith!

CHECK OUT PHOTOS BELOW!