Nine-year-old Olivia Chaffin was on her way to a school play on June 10, 2010, with her father and grandmother when a pizza delivery driver ignored a stop sign and struck the Chaffin car. Olivia’s father and grandmother survived the accident. Tragically, Olivia did not.
Olivia’s mother Jennifer was at the school waiting for the family to arrive for the play. At the time, both of Olivia’s parents were elementary teachers in the Mead School District.
The Mead community rushed to support the Chaffin family. They planned a soccer tournament fundraiser for June 2011. All of the proceeds went to a new fund at Innovia Foundation that Olivia’s parents established. The Olivia Chaffin Memorial Fund was established on what would have been Olivia’s 10th birthday, March 19, 2011. The initial gift was $400 from a children’s birthday party. In place of gifts, the daughter of Jennifer’s childhood friend and another child asked for donations in honor of Olivia.
“I was so touched by their sweet generosity at their young age,” says Jennifer.
Olivia’s parents selected Mead Education Foundation to receive grants to aid Mead School District students and schools.
“It means so much to us that Olivia’s fund is permanent, so her legacy will continue forever,” says Richard.
“It is unbelievable to be a mom of a beautiful girl that will make such a significant difference within our community,” says Jennifer.
Since its inception, the fund has generated gifts in excess of $30,000 in Olivia’s memory, and distributions have made a lasting impact on the Mead School District.
