On Tuesday, April 12th, we held a giant fundraiser at two Fresh Brothers locations (Westlake & Calabasas) benefiting the Kaplon family.
On March 17th, Brian Kaplon, a young father and husband, was shot and killed by a friend. Brian’s wife, Kristi, is a mom to two and half year-old daughter, Kloe. She is also expecting twins in May. One of the most difficult parts of this story to digest is the fact that the Kaplon’s had no life insurance. Brian had applied for it, but he was killed before the application could be fully processed.
My friend, Jen Levinson, is Kristi’s cousin and is one of her dear friends. (Jen is mom to five kids – four of those are twins!) I learned about what happened to the Kaplan family through Jen. I could not help but be sickened, saddened and concerned about Kristi, Kloe and the babies. As a mother of twins, I could not fathom enduring parenthood to baby twins without a spouse. I had a tough time. I’m not sure who doesn’t when you have two babies at once! Jen approached us about doing a fundraiser for the Kaplon’s and we immediately said yes.
It was a beautiful day. Both stores were insanely busy, but it was well worth the extra effort. Our staff kicked it into high gear and worked their butts off to make sure the day went smoothly.
I didn’t take any pictures, it didn’t seem right. But Kristi and Kloe were both there. People were dining outside on long communal tables. There was a lot of love and laughter surrounding Kristi and Kloe. KCBS and KCAL came out to talk with Kristi. Hopefully the additional media coverage helped channel extra donations for the family.
We raised $2500 for the Kaplon family. We donated 20% back of all sales from both locations that day. I am so thrilled that we were able to do this for this young family who is struggling to stay afloat during this difficult time.
As a business owner, as a mother, as a wife, I’m proud that we were able to bring our community together to help this mom out. Thank you to all who helped us make this happen!
If you would like to make a contribution on behalf of the Kaplon family, please click on this link: https://sites.google.com/site/kristikaplon/home?pli=1
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My Uncle is now in a relationship with Kristi and I think Kristi is more than happy with her life right now. I love Kristi and her children and her family, and I think it was such a wonderful fundraiser that benefited her significantly.
Kind of interesting that her husband hadn’t been buried for even one year and she’s already involved with another love interest. Hmmm…
Dear Cowardly No Name Needed – How dare you judge a woman whose husband was murdered while she was pregnant? How could you even begin to know what is right for her and her family? You are the sick one here…
Debbie
What a beautiful gesture which will touch all the members of the family!
Karen~
Hi Debbie,
Good for you! Hopeful response to a tragic story, and I hope your example inspires others.
Robbie
Yours is really a story of love and compassion, opening your heart and giving back. You did that Debbie without a second thought. You have shown that in your blog before. It is people like you that make this a better world. When I read about tragedies like this I wonder what the world is coming to. And then I read about people like you and I my hope is restored. Thank you!
Susan Berland
A Picture’s Worth
http://www.susan-berland.com
oops my name didn’t cone out…I wil try again
So sad.My thoughts are with the family. So nice that you were able to so something to help
So sad.My thoughts are with the family. So nice that you were able to so something to help
I’m so sorry for this tragedy, but very thankful there are people like you to help those in need. You are celebrated! Thank you.
Good job on helping others! I do think we are moving into a time of community and people really helping each other out. Thanks for posting your story.
So beautiful that you were able to help in this way. I am like you. I can’t even begin to imagine what it must be like to raise small kids without a partner and especially under such tragic conditions. It really was a lovely way to bring the community together. What a great job you did Debbie. I hope I can help my community in some way in the future. x
Fiona Stolze
Inspired Art and Living
http://fionastolze.com
Thank you for using your platforms–both your stores and the internet–to support the Kaplon family. Your compassion and love-in-action are sure to spawn more support of many kinds. I acknowledge your kindness and hope you do too. Well done.
I love that you did this, attracted extra media attention and are now writing about this…it is exactly what they need to attract some donations for help. You are making a big difference. Sad story to hear and so glad they have family, friends and community to support them…
Brandy Mychals
Speaker, Author, Communications Coach
Creator of the Character Code System
What a tragic story. And so compelling. To be reminded that moments change lives forever. I cant even begin to imagine what I would do, if this happened to me. Kristi’s story touches me and makes me realize how precious friendship is. How much we all need each other, to complete the circle of humanity. Your generosity was a seed that will change four lives. A fire starter of hope and community is the first step, and you took it. Amazing Grace indeed.
Jennifer Duchene
Home Makeover Mixtress blending lifestyle laughter & Diva Dens
http:LYShome.com
Such a sad story….tears and chills. Can’t imagine. I wish there was a like button for Rachels post…I love it. I believe we do get caught up and forget to share the love….not on purpose! What you did for this family is amazing. As a mother of twins I cannot imagine how she will do it alone…I could not have! Your kindness and generosity is a breathe of fresh air…and a wake up call for us all. We need to look around and see who/how we can help…every little bit counts!!! Thanks for all you did for them and for sharing with us…so we too may grow and spread the love & caring….in our communities.
Rita Brennan Freay
@Rita4kids
ritabrennanfreay.com
You know I am learning that one of the benefits of being as successful as I intend to be is that I will have the ability to help others in need. I admire that you were able to do this for this family and I can’t wait to be able to give in that way. Well done Debbie!
Louise Edington
Fearless Over Fifty
http://louiseedington.com
What a beautiful gesture. It makes me wonder if I am doing enough. Perhaps I am. Perhaps I am not. But one thing is certain: I am blessed, and I must look for ways to bless others. Whether the people around me need money, food, clothing or simply my time, I must be willing to share what I have.
Not that I intend to be self-centered or greedy. I think that we just get so caught up in our own lives, our own stresses and wants and needs and desires that we forget to notice. We forget to share. But when we forget to bless others, we are the ones who miss the biggest blessing for it is more blessed to give than to receive.
Rachel Lavern
Personal Transformation, Enlightenment and Development Coach
“Live without limits because nothing is impossible to you.”
You are such a gift! It’s wonderful that you were able to use your business as a vehicle to support and give back to the community. Just imagine if each person in this world had the ability to do this how we can really change lives. Thank you for sharing.
Alara K. Castell
Your Sassy Spiritual Guide
I am so happy that your outreach was so successful! I agree with Joan’s observation that the community is the best possible way to help those in need. I truly believe that is what we are called to do — be there for one another, “rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep”. I trust that Kristi and Kloe will heal more quickly and more fully because of the love that surrounds them.
At the end of the day, it isn’t government programs, big business or anyone else who takes care of the community–we should take care of *each other*. Those organizations can help, but who knows our own better than the community of which we are a part? I could feel through your words that this was so meaningful for you, and if I was in your area, you bet I’d be there to experience all the love and joy you brought to this family that day! Thank you for your inspirational story! I hope that this wonderful expression of love will be part of the healing process for Kristi and her family. Yay, you!
What a wonderful loving thing to do to support someone in need AND be part of your community. This is what entrepreneurialism is all about…I was thinking today about what life really boils down to (big thoughts, huh?) and it ultimately for me it is all about the connections we make with others…and if as business owners we don’t use our resources to foster those connections we are really missing out.
Darcie Newton
Wine not whine.
More nature than nurture.
Discipline for profit, none for triple creme brie.
http://www.mywealthspa.com
typing through tears…wonderful you have a vehicle (your business) that you can use to give back to your community and that you are the type of people who would do that.
It says so much about your business that you did this fundraiser. You have shown with this and other posts how much you honor and respect people–your staff and customers and people in need. Very sad story. I hope the spirit surrounding Kristi, Kloe, and the new babies will sustain them in the challenging times.
Judy Stone-Goldman
The Reflective Writer
My cat owns me, my clutter stymies me, my writing frees me. Word maven loves—and learns from—ordinary life.
http://www.thereflectivewriter.com/blog/
It’s a beautiful thing what you guys did. I can’t even imagine, and don’t want to. Thank you for taking the time, making the effort, and sharing it all with us.
Love ya!
Lisa
Thanks for being such a great business that always thinks of ways to help the community! Fresh Brothers Rocks! xxoo