Established in 2017

It’s not how you survive the storm, but how you dance in the rain!” Kathleen left those words for us all to remember. Everyone who loved her knows her tiny “dancing shoes” are impossible to fill. She knew how to make the most of any situation in her life turning heart breaking tragedy into inspiring power. Kathleen was not a just a survivor, but a mighty crusader for justice for herself and so many others.

With the help of organizations like Tennessee Voices for Victims, Kathleen used her voice not only to speak against her attacker, but to speak to incarcerated men and women to help them become accountable citizens in effort to prevent future victimizations. She worked with other victims to help them do the same, and her legacy lives in in the strength Kathleen inspired in everyone she met.

Her final wishes were that donations be made in her memory to continue her brave mission. So, in her honor, The Kathleen Starnes Memorial Fund at The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee has been established up to engage and empower victims and citizens in the effort to reduce violent crime.