Kristen Grote Memorial Fund
The Kristen Grote Memorial Fund was established in August 2004 to honor Kristen's memory and to positively impact the lives of children. Since then, funds have been used to help children in many different ways. Contributions have helped large groups of children – for example, a donation to New Hanover Presbyterian Church for improvements to their athletic fields used for Upward Soccer and Upward Flag Football and Cheerleading. Other contributions have benefited individual children directly, such as a gift of a wheelchair for a child in need.

It is our desire with the third and final KGL5K to raise sufficient funds to make Kristen’s legacy an eternal legacy, with a gift that will impact children’s lives for generations to come. Kristen’s life was at church. She loved everything about church, and it was where she spent most of her time. It is only fitting that a memorial for her would be found at Cool Spring Baptist Church, her favorite place to be.

Proceeds from this year’s race will benefit the welcome center of the new Children’s Building at Cool Spring Baptist Church. The welcome center will be a lively, engaging area for children. Your financial gift to the KGL5K will not be lost in a large capital campaign for Cool Spring Baptist Church. This welcome center will be a unique, inspiring place for children because of the special gift from the Kristen Grote Memorial Fund. Everything will be tailored to a child’s perspective. Plans are currently underway, but expect a sparkle of happiness, fun and laughter when you enter the doors into the welcome center. At the same time, wonderful memories of Kristen will be apparent, from photos on the wall, to her favorite colors and special glimpses into her life.

Cool Spring Baptist Church is a true community center in Hanover County. They welcome over 300 children on Sundays, 500 for Vacation Bible School in the summer, 150 during the week in their childcare center and serve over 1,700 children each year in the Upward sports programs. Their recreation facility is open to the public during the week for basketball, fitness and other activities. The new Children’s Building will expand Cool Spring’s capacity for children’s programs to 600 children. The addition of the welcome center to the new Children’s Building will impact the lives of countless children for generations to come.