Hi Friends,

We hope this message finds you all safe and well. With so many of our loved ones affected by the wildfires here in Southern California, we are particularly sensitive to those of you who may be adjusting to a new “normal”. Our hearts are with you.  

Each February, our board gathers to review what the Sarah Shulze Foundation accomplished in the preceding year. It’s now been nearly three years since we lost our girl. It comes as no surprise to us that honoring a heart as big, and a will as strong as Sarah’s continues to open up new opportunities. We’re happy to share not only what we accomplished in 2024 but what we look forward to achieving in 2025. Please know that we feel each of you with us in everything we do.

Thank you to each of you for participating in honoring Sarah’s legacy. The days can be long but the ability to look back on a year and relive the many moments when the Foundation brought communities together to make an impact is a real comfort.

Follow us on Instagram for all the latest news and please reach out to us with questions and ideas! Sincere thanks to all that have supported the Foundation’s efforts. And remember to be a Power for Good like Sarah!

Sincerely, Scott, Brigitte, Abbey and Ella Shulze 

Soles4Souls Shoe Drive

One of Sarah’s favorite charities, Soles4Souls mission is to turn shoes and clothing into educational and economic opportunities. We were once again blown away by the efforts of (insert schools) to collect a box truck full of gently used shoes. Sarah’s mom Brigitte and younger sister Ella managed collections and a great big delivery to Soles4Souls’ San Bernardino donation center this past April. This year, our Head of Operations Cindi Havert will spearhead collections - thank you, Cindi!

Girls on the Run

Running competitively was a huge part of Sarah’s day-to-day life and she would say that physical activity bore gifts of confidence, friendship, and individualism. Girls on the Run embodies this by seeking to nuture the mind + body connection in elementary and middle-school aged girls. Our Advisory, many of whom are Sarah’s friends and old teammates, have volunteered their time to the non-profit and the Foundation intends to continue to provide financial resources to Girls on the Run in the future.

Athletes for Hope (AFH) Day on the Hill

This annual event in Washington DC is an opportunity for the Foundation to champion mental health as a fundamental right for all athletes. Alongside other advocates, we meet with Congress and their staff members, shining a light on mental health awareness and services for athletes. This gathering in our nation’s Capitol honors Sarah’s interest in government process, politics, and law. We look forward to participating again for this year’s Day on the Hill in May. 

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)

The Foundation hosted its second annual AFSP Out of the Darkness walk at our alma mater, the University of Wisconsin - Madison, in April of last year. Scott and Brigitte will be back again this spring in April 2025, raising awareness and funds for AFSP, in a place that holds many pivotal memories for our family. Our central mission here is to help spread the AFSP message: suicide can be prevented.

Together for Mental Health

By far our biggest undertaking each year, we once again hosted Together for Mental Health here in Thousand Oaks this past fall. A gift from us and our dear friends at Katie’s Save to our local community, Together for Mental Health invites young people, parents, and coaches to an evening of mental health education from renowned members of the sports and mental health communities. Our 2024 theme was Tools for Everyday and featured sports reporter turned mental health advocate Brandon Saho; mental health and performance coach Emily Perrin; and professional, Olympic, and collegiate athletes including Naomi Girma, and Alyssa and Gisele Thompson. We’re looking to early 2026 for our next Together for Mental Health event where we plan to focus on the gifts of being a teammate - community, commaraderie, and fun!     

Scholarships

The Sarah Shulze Foundation is also thrilled to announce something new for 2025. The Sarah Shuze Foundation has established two Power for Good scholarship opportunities here in our local community. The Foundation will award two (2) scholarships in the amount of $3200 (each) in honor of Sarah and the track event she is best known for: The 3200. The longest, standardized track event in high school track meets, “the 3200” requires tremendous patience and persistence.   

Power for Good Scholarship - Oak Park High School

Applicants must be a graduating senior at Oak Park High School with plans to attend a community or four-year college/university.This scholarship is intended to recognize a student active in student government and regarded by their peers and the Oak Park High School faculty and staff as a Power for Good on and off campus.

Power for Good Scholarship - NCL, Inc. Conejo Valley Chapter

Applicants must be a graduating senior member of the National Charity League’s Conejo Valley Chapter with plans to attend a community or four-year college/university. This scholarship is intended to recognize an individual who has a positive impact on the local community and is regarded as Power for Good among her NCL community.