Honor Makenzi's memory this June by getting active! Whether you prefer running, walking, skipping, cycling, or any other form of movement, participate throughout the month by tracking your miles and contributing $1.00 for every mile to the Orange Hearts 4 Makenzi Foundation. Ask others to participate and donate in your honor!

This is a hard story to tell, and it is not my story. I just like running and I like fundraisers that inspire people to move and get healthy. In June 2021, I was gearing up to embark on a running fundraiser for another organization. Makenzi was gearing up to go to college. Then the unthinkable happened.

Makenzi was tragically taken by gun violence. She was vibrant and emulated love and positivity. An entrepreneur at heart, as a teenager, she embarked on several business ventures including MakMarie Boutique and MakBaby Lashes. But Makenzi didn't stop there. She wanted everyone to be successful. She began curating events for her peers to showcase their talents and businesses to the community. At the age of 17, Makenzi garnered hundreds of patrons and supporters, a feat that would exhaust most adults, but not Makenzi. Makenzi did what was hard and inspired others to do the same.

On June 24, 2021, mere days after celebrating her prom and high school graduation, Makenzi was enjoying a community water gun party at a recreation center on the far east side of Columbus, Ohio. Amid fun and celebration with her friends, reckless gang members opened fire on the crowd. Tragically, Makenzi was hit. The bullet ended her life. The case remains open.

Despite the immense loss, Makenzi's mother, Seneca Ridley Turner, refused to let her daughter's spirit be extinguished. She established the Orange Hearts 4 Makenzi Foundation, and quickly began offering programming and scholarships, empowering young entrepreneurs like her daughter, in the Columbus, Ohio area. The Orange Hearts 4 Makenzi Foundation is an established 501c3 organization. In a short time, it has garnered the respect and support of a multitude of local businesses, schools, and officials. Let's help it continue! Join us by participating and sharing Miles for Makenzi!