LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Kentucky mother is on a mission to honor the life and legacy of her young son. She did it in a way that benefits children with the help of hundreds of people. 

What You Need To Know

  • Carrie Tucker's 12-year-old son Grant, died last year after a 4-wheeling crash on his birthday.

  • She created the Grant’s Giving Foundation to keep her son’s memory alive and help other people play sports

  • Some 600 people took part in the race

  • The race and raised more than $15,000

 

There’s a very special reason Carrie Tucker is putting T-shirts inside piles of green bags

“We’re raising money for sporting equipment and opportunities for underserved children, because sports provides so much more than just athleticism.” Carrie Tucker, the Mother of Grant Tucker explained to Spectrum News. 

The idea to help other children came after a tragedy.

Carrie’s 12-year-old son Grant, died last year after a 4-wheeling crash on his birthday.

“It’s been really terrible, but I’ve grown a lot and learned a lot about the soul and spiritual stuff.”  she explained.

Grant’s mom said her son was literally a friend to everyone and knew people’s names. He had a close group of friends and was a loyal friend himself. The North Oldham Middle School 6th grader was so well-liked, people called him ’The Mayor.’ He loved sports like basketball, baseball and cross-country.

“He was an athlete and would be completely competitive, but also had amazing sportsmanship. He was a good one.” Tucker said.

Carrie created the Grant’s Giving Foundation to keep her son’s memory alive and help other people play sports.

Natasha Lonnon is a board member and volunteer. Her son and Grant were very close friends. They are getting ready for something big.

“If you knew our boys, they are completely different, but so much alike. This has been just the greatest thing, the greatest joy to come out of all of this is to see how many people are just showing their love for this community and for Grant and the Tuckers. It’s amazing.” Natasha Lonnon, a Grant Tucker Foundation Board Member and Volunteer explained to Spectrum News.

The Foundation organized a 5K race in Goshen.

Grant loved running cross-country, and Creasey Mahan Park was a place he loved.

Some 600 people took part in the race and raised more than $15,000.

All of that money will go toward buying sports equipment and sports camp opportunities for children, like Grant.

“I have been astounded and moved by the community and their support.” Tucker explained to Spectrum News 1. 

William Myers, President and CEO of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of the River Region says the Grant Giving Foundation gave them sports equipment in the past, like basketballs and footballs so they could in-turn pass them on to children who have experienced abuse and neglect. He says CASA will play a role in getting this new equipment to children

“The ability to give kids that we visit with items that are tangible that they can feel, that make them feel a little bit more like home, that really makes a big difference to us. And it makes a big difference to the volunteers.” William Myers, the President and CEO of CASA of the River Region explained to Spectrum News 1.

Carrie had a message for the community that has shown them love.

“I just want to thank everybody for the support and hope that you carry Grant in your heart and act even better because he is with you.” Carrie Tucker explained.

As the legacy of Grant Tucker lives on.