A Look Back at Gavin’s Time with the Fund

Gavin first came to the Forrest Spence Fund because he loved the Fund’s desire to meet the often unseen needs of families. From the start, he was amazed at how supportive and hands-on each member of the Fund team is. Gavin recalls that throughout the semester, he felt that he was truly part of a family. “Regardless of their title, every staff member jumps in when there is a need.”

Gavin laughed as he shared a memorable moment from back in February when uncharacteristically cold weather hit Memphis right at the time of the No Show Ball. The cold weather caused the ice packs we use in coolers, which were being stored in a freezer truck, to freeze a little more than they were supposed to and form one big block. “I had a spoon and a hammer and I sat there trying to pry the ice packs apart so we could pack each cooler.” Though Gavin didn’t begin his internship expecting to “break the ice” quite like this, he took on the role with joy and enthusiasm. Looking back, it is moments like these that made Gavin’s time with the fund so special.

As Gavin’s internship came to a close, he accepted a job with Youth Villages as a behavior youth counselor. However, Gavin’s “relationship with the Fund has just begun". He plans to come back and assist with the Forrest Spence 5K in August, and much more. Gavin hopes that everyone can see the Forrest Spence Fund is not a “one-stop-shop.” Instead, the fund is here “to support you every step of the way.”