I am honored to be a Community Champion for The Redfellow Foundation in this year's Rocket Community Challenge. It's the first year that our Redfin teams get to join in on the fun, and I couldn't be more excited! How do I put into words how special this organization is to me?
I have known Reed and his family since we were in kindergarten. He was incredibly smart, funny, and talented in numerous ways -- especially so when it came to music. Between family moves, changing schools, navigating through elementary, middle, and high school, and all the other craziness that comes with growing up, Reed and the Baldwin family were always a constant bright spot.
My earliest memories of him and his family include recess shenanigans, class PJ parties, PTA fundraisers, and school dances. Our friendship circles were always closely orbiting each other, and while they grew a little wider when we all went off to college, I always looked forward to them intersecting again.
Sadly, Reed passed away in a car accident in April of 2021. We were shocked and devastated. The first places we turned to were to each other, and to music. Music -- including his own songs he produced as Redfellow, songs he created with friends, and songs we played to honor him together -- helped us come together to heal, process, and celebrate Reed's life. 
One of my favorite lines in his songs that the Redfellow Foundation adopted is that Music is Medicine. The first ever Redfellow Music Festival (RMF) was held in July for Reed's birthday to honor him, his musical talent, and to share his passion with other local musicians. It has since started a movement that has grown significantly to support music education, uplift local artists, and brought the community together.
My family and I have been so grateful to be a part of this movement with the Baldwin family. Over the last five years, I've had the opportunity to volunteer at RMF events, foster community outreach with The Redfellow Foundation, and support something that truly inspires me.
My current goal is to raise $500 to help kick off The Redfellow Foundation's first year as part of the Community Challenge. I would be so grateful for your support in reaching it!