The 6th Annual “Walk 4 Life” event took place on July 11 at Schenley Park Trails. The Kierra Keeps Caring Foundation along with Purpose of Life Healthcare and Posh Nail Boutique hosted the event.
“I won’t stop, I can’t stop, we are going keep walking every year for you Vaughnie, Jayla, and Andre, and all of the lives lost to violence. We need change and I’m going to keep reaching for it,” Carla Gaines-Robinson said.
The Kierra Keeps Caring Foundation was developed in honor of Sha’Vaughn Kierra Wallace, who fell victim to gang violence in 2009. Since her untimely death, her family has continued to make a difference through her name within the community.
The Foundation is on a mission to reach out to parents and children to promote a positive quality of life for the youth. The Foundation seeks to build cohesiveness amongst community members in order to eliminate the prevalence of violent acts against youth.
During the Walk 4 Life fundraising event, participants had the opportunity to engage in a celebration cookout and celebrate with some of Wallace’s family, friends, caring members of the community and more. Those who participate in the Walk 4 Life every year must register online.
The Kierra Keeps Caring Foundation, Walk 4 Life designed t-shirts flooded the venue, as hundreds throughout the city gathered to celebrate the life of Sha’Vaughn Kierra Wallace in the 2K Run/Walk and all those who have fallen victim to violence.
“I thank all my faithful patrons who participated in the 6th Annual Walk 4 life,” Gaines-Robinson said.
This year, the beautiful talented Wallace would have celebrated her 25th birthday. In honor of a tremendous young woman, those who loved her laced up their tennis shoes and walked for the life of Wallace, Gaines-Robinson said.
“I couldn’t think of a better way to bring people together, to celebrate such a breathe-taking remarkable young woman,” Brittany Thompson said. “Sha’Vaughn impacted my life long ago, and she does still. The event was beautiful, and so was the weather. The warmth from the sun was Sha’Vaughn smiling looking down on us.”
All proceeds from the walk went towards the Kierra Keeps Caring Foundation.
“No words can explain how my heart hurts for my friend, family, and big sister Carla every year!” Danielle Brown said. “She exemplifies strength and perseverance at all times, despite having to deal with a parents greatest loss. I love you and admire you.”
Wallace was a graduate of Schenley High School in 2008. After completing High School, she went on to pursue higher education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she majored in Business and minored in Music. She had big dreams to pursue a career in entertainment.
Unfortunately, when she completed her freshman year of college, she returned to her home town for the summer. Only two weeks into her summer break, May 22, 2009 she became an innocent victim to gang violence while in the North Side area of the city.
To date, her legacy continues to live on through the commitment of family and friends with Kierra Keeps Caring Foundation.
(J.L. Martello contributed to this story.)
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