The Kelsey Meekhof Legacy Award is a symbol of gratitude and support to a leader in our community; transitioning societal mindsets towards inclusivity, the empowerment of others and, celebrating the abilities of all.

Submit your nomination by completing form below by January 3, 2025. The 2025 KMLA winner will be recognized on February 1st, 2025 at the 27th Annual Kelsey Meekhof Memorial Dinner & Auction at The Armory in South Bend, IN. 

“She always smiled and had a great laugh…”; that was Kelsey; says Carla Meekhof. Most people dream of leaving a legacy that lasts; Kelsey did just that in her brief 14 years with us.  Kelsey’s sunny personality and ever-present smile was endearing to her family, numerous friends and all of us at Reins of Life who were blessed to know her. “She just loved all of us so much…”, her sister, Brittany Rollins remembers. Kelsey was indeed an exceptional person and that shows in the many lives she is still enriching today.
 
Over the past 27 years, the Annual Kelsey Marie Meekhof Memorial Dinner & Auction has brought opportunity, lasting friendships, and hope to adults and children with disabilities here at Reins of Life. Thanks to Kelsey and her family, a carriage driving program at Reins of Life was instituted; which made possible the scope of ridership and services to increase for the St. Joseph County, LaPorte County and Northwest Indiana area. Kelsey’s legacy gives financial assistance to rider families within the therapeutic riding program at Reins of Life. In addition, The Kelsey Marie Meekhof Endowment Fund was established at the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County in benefit of the Reins mission ; to improve the quality of life for adults and children with disabilities through equine-assisted therapy.

Award Guidelines & Eligibility: Nominations submitted prior to deadline will be considered for this year's KMLA. ROL Staff members take part in selecting awardee therefore are not eligible. Awardee will be selected based on their fulfillment of the KMLA purpose statement. Nomination forms that do not have all required forms completed will not be considered.