Angels In Our Midst

Sarah Oates
Kappa Kappa Gamma

On April 17, 2009, a tragedy struck a beloved family in Jacksonville Florida.  A sudden car accident took the life of 15-year-old Allison Haramis. Allison was a beautiful, warm and creative young girl with many talents.  She was vivacious and engaging and had a strong passion for the arts. She will forever be remembered for her joyful spirit and her creativity will live on through a foundation created in her name.

The small Jacksonville neighborhood of Ortega was so devastated by Allison’s death and they wanted to do something to honor the Haramis family.  A group of caring and generous women – including Allison’s inspirational mother – formed a foundation that not only brought the family closer, but also engaged the whole community.

Founded in December of 2010, The Allison Brundick Haramis Foundation, better known as Angels for Allison, is an organization that hand paints and sells metal angel ornaments, in order to provide funds to help with the financial needs of families who have lost a child.

With the donation of several hundred angel ornaments from a generous artist friend and the support of a strong community, Angels for Allison took off quickly. The organization has not only raised thousands of dollars, helping many families in need, it has also begun to mend a community’s broken heart. Angels for Allison is a true testimony of the power of love.

On the foundation’s Facebook page they explain that, “these metal angel messengers will be painted in bright whimsical designs as a reminder of Allison’s joyful spirit!” These small metal angel ornaments generated much more hype than anyone expected. Everyday kids of all ages, parents, and friends come help paint these colorful creations.

The foundation has gained the support of many local businesses, promoters and has even developed new merchandise with the popular clothing company, Vineyard Vines. Angels for Allison merchandise such as ties and tote bags printed with their popular pink and green Angels for Allison logo have become quite popular all over Jacksonville. On almost every street, you can find a car with the pink and green angel logo sticker. This overwhelming support shows not only how much the Haramis family is loved, but also how much people want to help one another.

It is amazing to see how the spirit of a community can be lifted by the simple gesture of reaching out to help. Allison Brundick Haramis will forever be missed, but through Angels for Allison, her joyful spirit will live on!

To learn more about how to get involved with Angles for Allison or make a donation, visit their facebook page and website: www.facebook.com/angelsforallison www.angelsforallison.org  or contact them by e-mail at angelsforallison@gmail.com

Sarah is a sophomore studying English and photography. You may contact her at shoates@crimson.ua.edu.