Nonprofit Endeavors to Make Sense of Tragedy and Lift Up Others
Writer / Amie Drudge
Photography Provided
A photograph 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 parents suddenly and couldn’t pay the bills. The list goes on, but one thing we know to be true is that Belle and Elle’s hearts beat on with each act of love. The foundation, like a photograph, captures the beautiful gifts that were theirs, and then continues to give, filling up the hearts of this empty world.
A recent contribution from the BE Foundation was an art and music playground at Little Explorers Preschool, where both of the girls worked. The playground had a grand opening on July 15. Some of the girls’ students showed up with their parents to honor them.
A foundation is certainly a labor of love. At times the grief feels too heavy to continue, but we strongly feel the girls calling us to carry on with the work of healing hearts, one act of kindness at a time.
August 29 is a special day – the girls’ birthdays. On this day we will celebrate by raising funds. If you wish to donate, scan in the QR code and help us BE good, BE kind, BE love! 
For more details, go to befoundation.info.
