THE BE FOUNDATION

Nonprofit Endeavors To Make Sense Of Tragedy And Lift Up Others

Writer / Amie Drudge

Photography Provided

Aphotograph wields such power. A single moment is captured, and one is instantly transported back to that beautiful second in time. I am of the opinion that a foundation is much like a photograph, except on a much larger scale - a hope of capturing not just a single moment, but an entire life well-lived. A deep desire to make sure a loved one’s journey isn’t soon forgotten.

The BE Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, was created for just this reason - to remember the lives of identical twins lost tragically to a driver under the influence, and to give back to the world all that it lost on that tragic day. Elleana and Isabella Gaddis came into this world together on August 29, 2003, and left arm in arm, together… just as they entered, a few days short of their 18th birthdays. They loved children, animals, people, outdoors, music and art. To be in their presence was to feel love. This made the mission statement easy, as it is a reflection of all that was inside them: BE good, BE kind, BE love.

The foundation was started by their mom - me - and stepdad, Cori Drudge. The board consists of the girls’ tribe and the village that helped them grow - Ayden Gaddis (their beloved brother), as well as Lana and Jason Kren, along with their daughter, Lauren.

Monies given to the foundation go directly to those who cross our paths in need of a bit of goodness, kindness and love - a single mom needing a car to get to work so she can support her little ones, a blind man needing a support animal, a family who suffered a tragedy and needed a little extra help, a young man who lost his