Hello,
It still seems surreal to me why I find myself writing this letter to all of you. While the events of this past year have sped by quickly, August 10th still seems unfathomable. A pillar in my life, an example of selfless strength, my mentor, a woman I so admired had her life senselessly snuffed out. I replay the day before in my head over and over. As I bounded down the stairs with a handful of children, taking them to their parents, my eyes were met by the familiar gleam and smile of sweet Rita. I quickly told her I had a bag full of books and movies in my office for her from our retiring pastor and would meet her there. I never did. She was let into my office by a friend as I was whisked away by the cries of my then four-month old son. Rita loved my little one and was so pleased that my husband and I had become parents. She, even in all of her busyness, still made a tremendous effort to bring us a meal and meet our new addition shortly after he was born. I will forever regret not making it back to my office that day. I could go on and on about how incredible Rita was, but now we must shift focus to how incredible Rita is. Her life well-lived did not end, she still lives on through all of us. She impacted those around her so deeply that now we all have been left with a powerful charge, to continue to shine her light to those in need.
Today, I am incredibly thankful for The Rita Langworthy Foundation. It was a true honor to have been asked to serve on the Board of Directors of this wonderful organization. Things came together quickly and were official much faster than I had ever witnessed. That was Rita’s doing. Never one to wait around and figure out who was going to meet a need or solve a problem, she took care of it.
In the short time The Rita Langworthy Foundation has existed, we have cultivated a strong donor base. People who loved Rita, family, friends, and many people who had never met her. Her powerful story of love and servant-hood has touched many. Now it is our turn to continue her legacy of compassion and the power of a strong education. Where you are born should not determine the trajectory of your life. Rita knew and lived that each day. Thank you! Thank you for continuing to bear the torch. As we continue to share Rita’s story, we hope you do too. We cannot continue Rita’s legacy without you. Your gifts of time, service and money will continue to create a lasting impact on the lives of many. Educators, students, and children will all continue to feel the warm embrace of support from Rita.
As we delve into a new year, may our hearts take hope that out of darkness Rita’s light still shines. Please consider becoming a monthly donor, making a donation in memoriam or honor of someone, or making a one-time donation to help sustain the good work The Rita Langworthy Foundation is doing.
Rita never wanted to take up anyone’s time or be a burden in any way, so I will wrap this up. If any of us can live our lives with a fraction of the goodness Rita lived hers, good will prevail.
Wishing you all the best in 2016,
Angie Beauvais Field
Treasurer
The Rita Langworthy Foundation
