What is Erin's AAIM for Change 5k Run/Walk?
On the morning of September 5, 2010, we will be hosting the Fourth Annual Erin's AAIM For Change 5k Run/Walk at Centennial Park in Orland Park, Illinois. Along with fellowship, music, and social awareness, we are hoping to raise money for the Erin E. Olmsted Memorial Scholarship, as well as the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists. By participating in this event, you will be helping people in need; you will also be helping Erin's memory to live on.
Please read on to learn more about Erin and the Erin E. Olmsted Memorial Scholarship
This past March marked the 12th Anniversary of Erin Elizabeth Olmsted's death...a beautiful girl who was killed in a drunken driving car crash.
Erin was a senior at Carl Sandburg High School, an Honor Student, Varsity Gymnastics Captain, and active Gymnastics Coach at Tumble On U.S.A. in Orland Park. More importantly, she was a loving daughter, sister, and friend to many. Erin was a wonderful person. Her unexpected, sudden death devastated, not only her family, but the community in which she lived; she has been missed each and every day.
Throughout the past 12 years, the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists (AAIM), a non-profit organization based in Illinois, has been helping the Olmsted Family with constant emotional support, legal support, and education regarding the consequences of driving while intoxicated.
Erin's sister, Kate, has been working alongside AAIM by speaking on Victim Impact Panels at high schools, universities, and court houses. Because AAIM is a non-profit organization, their various support programs are sponsored completely by donations.
From the beginning, our family wanted to do something to honor Erin. We wanted her memory to live on in the community she loved so much. As a result, the Erin E. Olmsted Memorial Scholarship was founded. This scholarship is through Carl Sandburg High School, and over the past 12 years, $32,000 has been awarded to 20 recipients.
Erin was killed just short of fulfilling her dream of graduating and going to college. With this scholarship, we hope that these grils will take "a little piece of Erin" with them and always remember her dedication, hard work ethic and burning competitive spirit -- that the sky has no limit and to make a difference in the world.