2025 marks the Third Annual Miles for Makenzi Fundraiser - June 1st through June 30th.

Miles for Makenzi 2025

Social Media Kit

This year we are asking you to commit to completing 30 Miles (or more) this June to raise money for the Orange Hearts for Makenzi Foundation – Donate a $1.00 per mile.

Join the Movement, literally.

This June, make a difference by committing to move 30 miles in honor of Makenzi Ridley, a talented, compassionate, and empowering young woman whose life was taken by gun violence.

Whether you walk, run, bike, or move in any creative way, pledge $1 per mile to support the Orange Hearts for Makenzi Foundation, a nonprofit that uplifts young entrepreneurs, provides scholarships, and promotes community wellness in Makenzi’s name.

Why It Matters

This isn't just about fitness — it’s about:

NEW! Coming in August the Orange Hearts for Makenzi Foundation will begin offering grief counseling to children and teens who have learned the pain of loss at such a young age.

All proceeds support the Orange Hearts for Makenzi Foundation.

501c3 organization | Donations are tax deductible

Who Was Makenzi?

Makenzi 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 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!