TRAVERSE CITY -- Giving a virtual high-five to her grandmother, Jessica Kerfoot laces up her running shoes today to help others.
The Traverse City mom is a devoted runner and even more of a devoted granddaughter to her beloved -- and much missed -- LoLee, who died in February. Kerfoot will participate in the Mackinac Bridge Labor Day Run, raising money for the Father Fred Foundation with each mile logged.
Taking pledges from family, neighbors and friends, she is pleased to help others during such tough economic times. Her "High Five From Heaven" mission would have made her hardworking, devout grandmother proud.
"It makes me miss her, makes me remember her and miss her," she said a few days before the five-mile event. "I walked (the bridge on Labor Day) a couple of times with my grandmother, but I was younger."
Gov. Jennifer Granholm initiated the non-competitive event in 2003 after running the traditional Labor Day Bridge Walk. The now-annual run is jointly organized by the governor's office, the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness/Michigan Fitness Foundation and the Mackinac Bridge Authority.
Kerfoot entered a lottery for a spot among 300 total runners. Selected in June for the sixth annual event, Kerfoot will also participate as Grand Traverse County's Fitness Ambassador.
Operating as a role model and spokesperson for physical activity is appropriate for the busy mom of boys ages 4, 3 and 1. She and her husband tag-team at dinnertimes to carve out time to train.
Growing up with LoLee as a role model, combining running with fundraising while being an example for others is the least she can do.
Growing up during the Great Depression and World War II, the mother of four raised her family solo, working in auto factories downstate. Relishing trips "Up North," LoLee watched the Mackinac Bridge go up and rarely skipped an annual Bridge Walk.
LoLee believed the bridge was a testament to the state's greatness -- and to the greatness of the state's workers.
"LoLee had a tough life, but she had many happy, proud moments," said Kerfoot, in a fundraising letter. "To me, LoLee exemplified the American worker, especially the Michigan worker."
Helping today's workers spurred Kerfoot to create "High Five From Heaven." A Google search led her to the Father Fred Foundation.
Already serving residents of the five-county area, the Father Fred Foundation is on track this year to give out nearly $500,000 to needy individuals and families. About $300,000 of that will go to forestall utility shut-offs, noted David Abeel, director of development for the foundation.
With creative ideas like Kerfoot's bubbling up from the community, the foundation's job is a little bit easier.
"You know, we always have a standard line in that we're supported thanks to the generosity of the community," Abeel said. "We should probably make it the generosity and creativity of the community."
For more information on the Father Fred Foundation or Kerfoot's run, call 947-2055, ext. 18, or see www.fatherfred.org.
Donations are still being accepted, either online -- please note "High Five from Heaven Run" in the description field -- or via checks sent to P.O. Box 2260, Traverse City, Mich. 49685.
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