Hal Hargrave Jr
Founder & President
Hal Jr was injured in an auto accident on July 26, 2007, which left him paralyzed from the neck down and as a quadriplegic.
Hal Junior spent over 70 days in acute care and rehabilitation hospital. The doctors said there was a 1-3% chance that he would ever walk again. Despite this news, Hal’s emotional and mental outlook was strong. This was due to one single line of thinking Hal carried with him that made the future feel brighter – he could still “be perfect”. Inspired by the movie Friday Night Lights, the idea was that if you could look the people you love in the eye and tell them that you did absolutely everything you could – gave every ounce you had – then it didn’t matter whether you won or lost. Hal realized that he could “Be Perfect” whether or not he ever walked another day in his life.
In Hal's terms: Be Perfect meant getting the most out of himself each and every day.
The Be Perfect Foundation has remained Hal's passion ever since the idea came about in 2007. As a founding member of The Be Perfect Foundation, Hal wakes up every day with an intent to want to make a difference in the field of paralysis recovery.
Hal Jr's day-to-day involvement with the foundation resides in decision-making, community relations, client outreach, event coordinating and planning, and marketing.
In his own words: “When my accident happened, I quickly recognized that my accident affected not just me, but my entire family and those around me. Fortunately, I have incredible family of a wife, parents, brothers and sisters and extended family who have never left my side. Additionally, the community has rallied around the and when those steps away, others stepped up. The Be Perfect Foundation has been the biggest blessing (aside from my injury, my wife and my family) that has ever happened to me. It has given me newfound perspective, newfound purpose, and a reason to get up every morning and be proud of who I am and what I'm doing. However, I understand that the only way that this is possible is through a supportive family, a supportive community, support of donors, support of board members and volunteers, and namely grateful individuals who the foundation supports. The unfortunate part in all of this is knowing that people continue to have terrible diagnosis, terrible injuries and terrible stories to tell. However, the fortunate part is knowing that the foundation is there to make a difference. I know that I'm nothing without each and every one of you supporters and donors, namely the team that is listed here on this page. I owe it all to them.”
Lorie Hargrave
Event Coordinator / Billing / Community Relations
Lorie Hargrave (mother to Hal Jr) has been a philanthropist, founding member and board member of Be Perfect since the inception of the foundation in 2007. As the head of billing and community relations, Lorie is truthfully the first person to reach and touch each person and family that Be Perfect is able to support.
Lorie wears many hats and often times serves as a mental health support network for many individuals suffering from paralysis, their families, and namely other moms who need somebody to talk to. Lorie has started and orchestrates support groups among mothers who have sons and daughters living with paralysis. Lorie truthfully has a way of meeting many people in their place and being an advocate for them to help them get what they need in terms of financial support or working with insurance companies or lawyers to provide support to clients. Additionally, much of Lorie's time is spent meeting new clients at the hospital or at local rehabilitation facilities, to provide them with support, guidance, and help.
Unfortunately, Lorie also manages the daunting task of billing. It is one of those things where "somebody has to do it” and Lorie, being the person that she is, simply finds a way to get the job done even with many other things going on around her. With this bulldog mentality, Lorie has been a great advocate in the community for Be Perfect. She often times networks with local organizations, businesses, and donors. She spends much of her waking time developing relationships and collecting auction items for Be Perfect’s annual fundraiser.
Lorie is a mother to four children (Hal Jr 29, Corey 26, Hailey 21, Bella 14) and spends a lot of for time away from the office inside the volleyball gym, carting around kids, or playing host to many events, parties, or high school kids (who are friends of her youngest daughter Bella) at the Hargrave household.
Lorie was greatly affected by her son, Hal Junior's, accident in 2007. However, she has found great purpose and meaning in serving others ever since. She has made it her lifelong mission to help others in any way possible.
Lorie truthfully has that mothering instincts about her as she seems to always put everybody else before herself, naturally her kids included. Many times Lorie will find herself in over her head with many tasks to do, tasks that she is completing for other people. However, when Lorie is able to find time for herself you might find her at Laguna Beach or sitting on the boat out in Lake Havasu.
Hal Hargrave Sr.
Vice President
Hal Hargrave Sr (father to Hal Jr) has been a philanthropist, founding member and board member of Be Perfect since the inception of the foundation in 2007. As Vice President on the Be Perfect board, Hal Sr is involved with the day-to-day operations of Be Perfect through use of his business acumen and vision.
Hal Sr, a father to four children (Hal Jr 29, Corey 26, Hailey 21, Bella 14), has over 34 years of experience in the business field and is the current Chief Executive Officer of Apex Imaging Services (a nationwide general contractor).
During his tenure as Owner and Chief Executive Officer of Apex Imaging Services, Hal has developed intimate knowledge of all aspects of the company and has been instrumental in Apex expanding to broader markets, establishing new clients, and successfully advancing the capabilities of the company while adapting to industry changes and varying economic climates.
Hal Sr will tell you that his true mission at this point in his life is driven by what the foundation is able to do to influence the paralysis community. This passion derived from when his son, Hal Jr, sustained his spinal cord injury in 2007 and recognized that there were people in need throughout the local community. Because of his involvement with both Apex and Be Perfect, Be Perfect has been able to develop a very unique working partnership with Apex Imaging Services.
Much of the day-to-day operations that are necessary to keep the foundation moving forward, are in due part to the support, in terms of man-hours and philanthropic involvement, from the Apex Imaging Services staff.
Hal Sr has influenced the culture of philanthropy within Apex and he will keep that as his mission moving forward.
Kathleen Hargrave
Treasurer
Kathleen Hargrave (mother to Hal Sr and grandmother to Hal Jr) plays a huge role in the day-to-day operations of Be Perfect as the foundation's Treasure. Kathleen became passionate about Be Perfect after her grandson, Hal, sustained his spinal cord injury in 2007. As an involved grandmother, she wanted to do something more to make a difference. So, she stepped up and made it her life purpose to dedicate much of her time to helping those in the paralysis community.
Professionally, Kathleen is currently Chairman and President of Apex Imaging Services.
Kathleen grew up in Southern California, spending her early married life in Claremont, CA, where she raised 3 children. Over time she started her own book-keeping business, “Hargrave Book-keeping”, worked for a condominium management service, and eventually developed her own condominium association management firm.
However, it wasn’t long before she joined forces with the rest of her family during the early years of Apex. She has always enjoyed being involved in the accounting area of the business. When it came time to become an official entity, she was elected president/secretary, and this remains her title today.
There is no question that the foundation has been able to reach extraordinary heights because of the book-keeping done by Kathleen, Hal Jr's grandmother.
Toni Frazer
Director of Auction Committee/Event Coordinator/ Scholarship Committee
Toni has been a part of The Be Perfect Foundation since its inception in 2007. Toni and her husband, Doug, spent countless days in the hospital alongside Hal Jr and his family. Toni was ultimately one of the influencing factors in why the Hargrave family felt so comfortable moving forward and starting a foundation because of her background and knowledge in the non-profit field and her philanthropic nature.
Toni is also a board member of the Matt Leinart Foundation and has propelled the Matt Leinart Foundation to extraordinary heights because of her vision and her ability to reach out to the local community and coordinate events.
As you can see, Toni has a heart that wants to reach individuals who are in need. She somehow finds a way to keep the philanthropic component of life at the forefront of her to-do list even while being an active part of her and her husband’s family business, Enviroguard.
Daily, Toni plays an active role with Be Perfect by reaching out to the local community to try and find donors, community partners, and opportunities for new fundraising events for the foundation. Additionally, she is one of the key components for the foundation’s annual fundraiser as she wears many hats, namely coordinating the vast silent auction.
Teri Goodwin
Event Production Director
Teri Goodwin has been involved with the Be Perfect Foundation since it’s inception. Teri’s son, Brain, suffered a spinal cord injury while diving into a sandbar…one week after Founder Hal Hargrave broke his neck in a terrible car accident. Hal and Brian became roommates at Casa Colina and the two families became fast friends. When Teri’s family found out that Hal wanted to give back to those who suffer SCI injuries, they were all in. Teri knows firsthand how important community is during difficult times and the Be Perfect Foundation offers that along with sponsoring life changing physical therapy and equipment for those in need.
Teri loves volunteering with the team at Be Perfect and enjoys producing the large Be Perfect events that draw over 1000 people. The attendees love these fun events and show their support by donating gifts for auction, sponsoring tables and raising $100,000 of dollars that are put right back into the foundation to help clients become their best selves. Teri has spoken to many of the benefactors that are helped each year by Be Perfect and knows she is spending her time wisely in assisting any way she can.
On any given week, Teri is volunteering full-time at Hillside Community Church as their Director of Communications and can’t believe the fun she is having! Teri is married to Louis, who loves to golf; daughter, Kristin who is a fantastic writer and all-around funny person; and son Brian who is an FAA drone pilot and assist Be Perfect in their video needs. Teri feels honored that she gets to help with such a worthwhile foundation…Be Perfect is literally changing lives, one client at a time!
Jenna Hardy
Event Production Assistant
Jenna is an Event Planner for the Be Perfect Foundation. Through her love for public speaking, she has also been honored to help take on the role of “co-host” for the foundation’s fundraising gala each year.
Jenna first got involved with the event planning committee for the Be Perfect Foundation because of her job as a “Paralysis Specialist” at The Perfect Step Paralysis Center where many of her clients are supported by the foundation. Long before Jenna was a Paralysis Specialist, she gained experience as an event planner in Downtown San Diego where she would help coordinate events of all different shapes and sizes. A few years later, she was presented with the opportunity to work as Pitzer College’s event coordinator for their Advancement Office and help host small events for the college to raise money for student scholarships.
Eventually, this led Jenna to volunteer her experiences with event coordinating to raise money for a cause with multiple foundations, eventually landing with a permanent volunteer spot with the Be Perfect Foundation. Jenna has started other small fundraising opportunities within the foundation by creating a donation-based yoga classes once a month where 100% of the proceeds go to the foundation.
Jenna just graduated with her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology; Marriage and Family Therapy and is currently starting mental health support services for family, friends and individuals living with paralysis.
Ashton WRay
Event Production Assistant
Ashton became a member of the Be Perfect committee in 2018. But she has been a close part of the paralysis community since 2014 when she became a member of The Perfect Step (a partner of Be Perfect) staff in 2014, after obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree in Integrative Physiology from the University of Colorado, Boulder. She takes extreme pride in being one of the leaders of The Perfect Step (TPS) staff as a Level III Certified Paralysis Recovery Specialist and Educator.
Ashton was committed to the field of paralysis recovery long before her tenure at TPS, as her father is a recovering C-5 quadriplegic who continues to overcome his injury and 30+ years later is walking and living a near able-bodied life. Ashton will tell you that her exposure to the paralysis recovery field since starting at TPS, has really opened her eyes to her dad’s recovery. Through this exposure, she has developed a unique identity and style that pertains towards pushing her clients to their fullest potential; making their workouts serious but fun and very challenging but manageable.
The pride and dedication Ashton brings to TPS and her clients, she definitely brings to Be Perfect. Her life goal is to help people and she is so honored and happy to join a committee where she can do that outside of her career. One aspect Ashton loves of being part of the Be Perfect committee is expanding and growing her creativity and collaborating with such selfless, loyal, spirited, and generous people. Be Perfect continually reminds Ashton to put others before herself and to always do everything you can.
Catherine “CATIE” Hargrave
Auction Coordinator/Community Relations
Catie (wife to Hal Jr as of September 2018) has become much more involved with the foundation in more recent years. But, her passion and involvement with the foundation stems back to the beginning of her college years at the University of La Verne “ULV” (La Verne, California) in 2011. Hal and Catie met at ULV and Catie quickly became a dear friend of Hal’s and an active supporter of Be Perfect. Catie was not only a frequent flyer at many of the Be Perfect events and annual fundraisers but also an advocate on the ULV campus for the foundation. Even during her nationally recognized college volleyball career at ULV, Catie would often represent the Be Perfect organization on her jersey during games or even during warm-ups. This brought about much awareness and even a sense of community among the rest of her teammates who bought into the Be Perfect organization, thus becoming advocates around campus for BP as well. Since her time at ULV, Be Perfect has become a campus-wide recognized organization and movement, as many athletes and students represent the BP name proudly, much in due part to Catie pioneering the way.
Catie grew fond of Hal because of her selfless heart and her passion for learning about the human body and human development. Catie received her undergraduate degree in Athletic Training and eventually got her Masters in Child Development. This education and passion have evolved into an unwavering support and commitment to Hal's recovery, including being there for him during the early years of his recovery and traveling with him down to Carlsbad to support him in his outpatient therapy program.
Catie currently works as a teacher at Charter Oak High School (West Covina, California) in the special education department. Catie has a way about her that can reach those who are in need through her teaching and coaching mentality. During the summertime, Catie works for the Hargrave family business, Apex Imaging Services, and additionally volunteers her time for Be Perfect with assisting with billing and donation reports.
Through Hal and Catie's courtship, Catie has stepped up in a big way by wanting to be more of an active part of Be Perfect for the rest of her life. Most recently she has played more of an active role in the event planning aspect of the annual fundraiser, including providing input on the fundraisers program. Additionally, she plays an active part by assisting Hal in visiting many of the newly injured clients and their families.
Britnee Heckman
Event Production Assistant/Community Relations/ Volunteer Coordinator
Britnee Heckman initially learned about BP from her mom, Tracy Scott signed her up to volunteer for the first 4 events while she was in high school. Following those events, she left for college and did what she could from afar to support with donations and help staff volunteers from places such as Apple Inc. Following the last event, after she had moved back to the area, she told Hal she wanted to be on the board. Coming full circle for the 9th Annual Be Perfect Event, she will be overseeing all volunteers in the days leading up to and the day of the event. She can't wait!
In her eyes, Be Perfect strives to support as many people as possible with proper physical therapy and care to help achieve better quality in all aspects of their lives. She is certain BP is true to their 99% promise as their priorities are clear, and the work they are doing shows directly in the people who have been supported by BP.
She had 2 friends in high school who were paralyzed within 2 weeks of each other. She was with Brian Goodwin at the beach the day of his injury. She observed the direct hardship, trauma, and expenses that landed in Goodwin's lap overnight following Brian's injury. She spent many days and nights with the Goodwin family observing the new normal in Brian's recovery journey. It was shocking to hear how expensive basic therapy, wheelchairs, and care for this injury were without almost any help from insurance. Brian has tried many different physical therapy facilities over the years, but it's very apparent the work The Be Perfect Foundation has done to support Brian in his journey back to gaining his independence has been significant. Because of BP, Brian is fully self-sufficient, excelling in his recovery, career, and life. She is deeply thankful for the hard work and the level of care Be Perfect has shown in the past 12 years through Brian's SCI journey.
She has been a part of the program through auctioneering and the live ask. Last event she supported the social media content. She has been a part of all past 9 events for setting up and tear down as well as sourcing volunteers from her previous employer, Apple Retail. She has also helped find and source items from local businesses over the years for the silent auction.
“Be Perfect doesn't just supplement income for those in need; they truly care about the SCI community in all facets of their life, said Britnee. They know how to connect people to the right resources, support their families emotionally, and provide options in how to best utilize their funds to maximize what they need for their quality of life. They truly care about the SCI community.” "At the end of the day, it's not what you have, or even what you've accomplished... it's about who you've lifted up, who you've made better. It's about what you've given back." – Denzel Washington. Her grandparents were great examples of people who spent their lives giving back to others. Spending time around a group of people who are truly making a difference and impacting the world in a BIG way is something that's hard to describe. She truly feels Denzel said it best, this life is all about what you've given back.
“I am fortunate enough to be family friends with the Hargrave Family. Following Hal and Brian’s accident, I felt called to support the SCI community in any way possible as it had directly affected my friends and their families. I knew it was important and something I was going to be a part of for the rest of my life.”
If you have the time, money, or ability to give even just a little to a cause that is making a positive impact on the world, DO IT! Don’t wait, you never know how much they can truly be impacted by your presence and eagerness to support! Hal Hargrave Jr. and the board at The Be Perfect Foundation have one goal. To help the SCI community. They are focused, steady, and moving mountains to do everything they can to support people in their recovery. Their ethics are pure, and their vision is clear! It is a foundation worth donating to.
Kristen Douglas
Head of Marketing and Social Media/Community Relations
Kristen Douglas got involved with Be Perfect "BP" in 2021 when she started working on the BP 9.0 Scholarship Gala. She is learning about the work of several different roles but is providing support with social media, volunteers, and The Perfect Step "TPS" client relationships and their roles for the event.
She initially learned about the BP Foundation and the Hargrave family in 2010 when she played on the same volleyball team as Hal's little sister, Hailey. She crossed paths with TPS and the foundation again when she was attending the University of La Verne. As a student-athlete and kinesiology major, she continued to hear about BP and eventually started an internship at TPS where she immediately expressed interest in volunteering and helping in any way she could.
The Be Perfect Foundation works to help raise awareness and funds for those within the paralysis community. They support by providing medical supplies, home and car adaptations, therapy hours, and more. Kristen believes that BP is true to its 99% promise. They are completely volunteer-based and spend their time giving to a great community of people who need financial and emotional support.
One of the things that has made Kristen very passionate about her work with BP is because of one of her clients that she works with at The Perfect Step, Leo. Leo (who has transverse myelitis) has had such a strong impact on her and her work with BP. He has shown tremendous progress in the year that he has been training at The Perfect Step, but even more, he is always prompt to his sessions, hard-working in and outside of the building, and is mentally prepared for any challenges each day might bring. He is an amazing example of someone who is being supported by BP and will continue to work to support himself financially and physically. He is a strong motivation for her work.
In the past, Kristen has donated to BP several times throughout each year, advocated for clients who are sponsored, and helped spread awareness about BP's mission and the amazing people who benefit from their work.
She loves that BP is beyond generous; they are always looking to find more ways to give more. “There will always be people in need, and they do as much as they can to continue to raise the funds needed to provide more financial support, she says. They build a community of people who both live with paralysis or can help those living with paralysis, and their mission will never be complete.”
Putting her time and effort into BP is both humbling and rewarding. She works with a group of people who volunteer their limited free time to give back to a community they are so passionate about. The people they support are kind, and strong, and have faced so much adversity, but they are resilient. They have so much to teach us and offer to society, so the more they can do for them now and help them get to a better and more independent life, the more they will be able to for the rest of their lives.
“People who want to get involved with BP have so many options. Donations of any size, helping spread awareness, and participating in their events are only a few of the ways people can find involvement. It is a rewarding opportunity that they get to raise money and spread awareness for an amazing population.”
“BP's internal ethics are just as they claim; they guarantee $0.99 of every dollar to go right back to the benefit of the paralysis community. Their foundation is constantly working to plan more events, reach out and inform more donors, and continue to support as many people as possible. Their efforts are never over, and there will always be more lives to change!”
Hailey Scott
Auction Coordinator/Community Relations
Hailey Scott is one of the two younger sisters of Hal Hargrave Jr., the founder of the Be Perfect Foundation (BP). Since 2007, she has had a front-row seat to her brother's journey with paralysis and has been involved with BP since its inception. In past years, while living in Oregon for college from 2015 to 2019, she assisted with Be Perfect fundraising events from afar and by floating between various committees. Since they've begun planning Be Perfect 9.0, she has been in communication with BP scholarship recipients and paralysis patients from The Perfect Step (TPS), gathering their paralysis stories for event visuals and the direct client donations page.
To Hailey, the Be Perfect Foundation strives to restore hope among individuals living with paralysis, their families, and their support systems. BP does this by staying true to its 99% promise and providing direct financial, social, and emotional support.
What she loves about BP is that it offers the opportunity for individuals living with paralysis to be part of a community, decreasing the isolation paralysis patients may experience in their recovery. Through their partnership with The Perfect Step Paralysis Recovery Center, people with paralysis are invited to gain independence through exercise-based therapy. Additionally, paralysis patients are welcomed into a positive and safe atmosphere that is one of a kind.
“As a BP supporter and donor, you experience how BP and TPS impact the lives of paralysis patients, said Hailey.” A story that has left a positive influence on her is that of Emma Vargas, a Perfect Step Client and Be Perfect Scholarship Recipient. Emma is a four-year-old girl who became paralyzed in 2020 after falling down the stairs. TPS encourages and teaches paralyzed patients how to live a life outside of their chairs. Emma does just that. When not at therapy, Emma lives out her childhood to the fullest by going to the beach and playing in the sand, sledding in the snow, visiting amusement parks, swimming, playing with her cousins, riding around in her mini pink Mercedes car, and spending time at the park. Emma is strong, motivated, adventurous, sweet, and kind. Like all paralysis patients, she is one of a kind. Emma inspires her and others to embrace their challenges. She hopes Emma's paralysis journey will inspire others too. You can see more of Emma's story at the "Stories" tab on the BP website.
As a BP volunteer, putting time and effort towards BP has added great value to her life. Seeing how the support from BP and TPS elicits hope and motivation in some of the darkest seasons of one's paralysis journey is her "why."
“If you are someone who wants to be a part of a passionate group of people, now is your time to become involved with the BP team. If you are unable to volunteer, you can become a BP supporter by donating via their website or during their annual scholarship gala. The Be Perfect Foundation has various opportunities to be involved, and they hope you take the perfect step towards continuing to impact the lives of those living with paralysis.”
Alexandra Hargrave
Auction Coordinator/Community Relations
Alexandra “Alex” Hargrave, beyond just having a connection to the Hargrave family, Alex initially had an indirect connection to the foundation many years ago, which has now become a direct connection in more recent years through her marriage to the family.
In 2007, her family rented a beach house at Newport Beach for a week during the summer. The floors of the beach house were packed every night with kids from Los Osos high school that wanted to spend some time at the beach. Brian Goodwin, a family friend, and current TPS client happened to be staying with her family. Unfortunately, this was the trip that Brian got a spinal cord injury. She remembers visiting Brian and his family at Casa Colina with her parents and learning that Hal Hargrave had also suffered a spinal cord injury just weeks before. It wasn't until 2012 that she truly learned about BP and the amazing work this foundation is doing. She is fortunate to be married into the Hargrave family and see the time and effort this amazing family dedicates to those living with paralysis. It has been a blessing to have a front-row seat!
“BP is a non-profit organization that supports the SCI community both emotionally and financially, said Alex. Because of the donors, clients of BP and TPS can afford therapy, adapting their homes to meet their needs or costly medical bills. All of these things can be a burden to a family living with paralysis. BP is dedicated to supporting these clients and helping them to see that life is worth living.”
She truly believes that BP is true to its $0.99 promise. She has seen firsthand the lives that have been impacted by BP's $0.99 promise.
Emma is one client that she has thoroughly enjoyed seeing grow every week she enters the TPS building. She is such a young girl who works so hard to regain strength in her arms and legs. Emma brings so much energy and fun to each of her sessions. As a school teacher, she loves to see kiddos excel at whatever they do! Emma is a fighter and a true inspiration!
Alex is excited to be a part of the planning and execution of the event. She is assisting Toni Frazier with the silent auction piece of the event, as well as anywhere else she can be of assistance. These past ten years, both she and Corey have supported Be Perfect. She has helped with both setup and clean-up at each of the events.
She loves that BP supports its clients both financially and emotionally. The financial aspect of a spinal cord injury can be a real burden on a family, and emotionally, it can break someone. BP not only provides monetary support but also reminds people that they are important, loved and that they have a purpose. Philanthropic work has always been a passion of hers. She loves to give back to those in need, and being a part of BP has been nothing short of amazing. She truly believes that God created us to be lights in this dark world. BP is such a bright light in the SCI community. She feels lucky to help BP reach its goals.
“GET INVOLVED!! This BP community is a family. Not only do you get to give back to the community, but you get to be a part of something special, something so rewarding. Getting involved with BP could mean donating, helping with events, or even just helping spread awareness by reposting about the foundation and the lives impacted. There’s no time like the present to get involved! Hal Hargrave Jr. and BP are something special. They are true to their $.99 promise and every cent donated goes to help those in the SCI community. Why wouldn’t you want to donate to such an amazing foundation?!”
CorEy Hargrave
Auction Coordinator/Community Relations
Corey Hargrave has been connected with The Be Perfect Foundation since the beginning of time. He was right next to his brother, Hal, every step of the way during his time in the hospital in 2007. The Foundation holds a special place in his heart because he truly has seen the impact it has made for many over the years.
His understanding of BP is that The Be Perfect Foundation provides financial and emotional aid to those in need who have Paralysis Type injuries. He believes that BP is true to its 99% promise. He has learned this especially as he has become more involved in helping with the Foundation event and his previous understandings from being around the organization of the Foundation since its inception.
One story that resonates with him is Mark Hall's story, especially because Mark has been aided by the Foundation since the beginning. His story resonates with Corey as the Foundation has helped him become more independent and allowed him to be a part of his kids' lives more than he could have imagined.
He got involved as a board member more recently for the 9.0 event. He has been around and assisted with the planning and set-up of every single past event that BP has held, more on a physical level of providing a helping hand the day before/of the event. His role now is helping the Silent Auction Team with the organization of items and ensuring all have a place to ensure that attendees have the best experience possible and are incentivized to donate more. He has supported the BP Foundation by providing a helping hand for past events held, more in a physical way, and hopping in where he can.
He likes what the BP Foundation does as it serves a niche area of financial need to people that he feels can be forgotten at times. However, the "niche" is large, and there are many people who need financial help to move forward and get the assistance they need.
Putting time and effort towards BP changes his personal life in more ways than one. Sure, it takes time, but it is something that makes him feel like he is serving God and the grace he provides him daily. He feels if he can give back (his time, that is) then he is truly serving Him for all he has done and provided for him. He also loves the idea of being able to donate his time to those who he loves the most (his family) and work towards the goal of raising money for those in need and growing the foundation to reach bigger heights.
“Anyone who would want to get involved with helping with the Foundation, or become a committee member for that matter, I would encourage them to do the same exercise I am doing right now to truly explore where their heart is in donating their time to something that they may hold near and dear to their heart, said Corey. I would tell them all about what the Foundation truly does and what it is like to be involved with helping with the Foundation. I would tell donors about the Foundation’s .99 promise and where the money goes in providing financial needs to those who need it. I would also tell them about the community that surrounds the Foundation and how it has grown over the years from donating thousands to donating millions. I would also share stories of people that have been helped and how TPS plays a role in that.”
NICOLE LEASHER
Event Magazine Developer/Client Liaison
Nicole Leasher, a dedicated member of The Be Perfect Foundation (BP) committee, recalls her initial involvement with the organization, which began when Hal approached her with an opportunity to play a more involved role within the foundation. As an employee at The Perfect Step, Nicole had been connected with the paralysis community for eight years, and this offer presented a unique chance to contribute in a broader capacity. Her daily interaction with clients allowed her to intimately understand their struggles, making her eager to accept the opportunity to assist them comprehensively through BP.
One profound aspect of Nicole's journey with BP is witnessing the direct impact on clients and their transformation through BP's mission. Countless clients have benefited from BP's support, often leaving them teary-eyed with gratitude. Nicole has seen a remarkable domino effect of care and assistance within the community as those who receive help often pay it forward, creating a powerful and positive change.
For Nicole, BP's mission transcends financial assistance; it embodies being a lifeline during individuals' darkest moments. It's about letting them know they are not alone and that there are people who genuinely support and stand by them.
Nicole has witnessed the 99% promise in action, with BP allocating funds to address crucial needs such as obtaining new wheelchairs, covering medical expenses, and facilitating access to non-traditional exercise therapy. These actions have truly been life-changing for the individuals they've supported.
Every client at The Perfect Step has a unique story and journey, making it difficult to single out one. Nicole admires the resilience and vulnerability displayed by all clients as they navigate their challenges.
While this is Nicole's first time being directly involved in a BP event at a committee level, she is taking charge of creating the BP magazine for the upcoming event. Her prior involvement in other events on a smaller scale has given her a glimpse of the intricate behind-the-scenes work, and she's excited to be more deeply engaged this year.
The aspect of BP's work that Nicole appreciates the most is the foundation's ability to alleviate the various aspects of life that can be affected by paralysis. It provides a sense of community, assurance, and a reminder that individuals are not alone during a potentially isolating and challenging transition.
Nicole's involvement with BP aligns with her passion for working with the paralysis community. Some of her closest friends are living with paralysis, and her role in the BP foundation provides her with a platform to advocate for and support the community in ways that resonate deeply with her.
What sets BP apart from other organizations, in Nicole's opinion, is its unwavering passion for the people it serves. BP's sole mission is to help the paralysis community, and it goes to great lengths to fulfill this need.
In her committee role, Nicole is involved with the client side of the event, serving as a liaison to engage clients and get them involved. Additionally, she heads the development of the magazine for the event, contributing significantly to the planning and execution of BP events and initiatives.
Amy Kronquist
Event Coordinator
Amy Kronquist first became involved with the Be Perfect Foundation (BP) after attending the BP 8.0 event in 2018. As an event planner, she was not only deeply moved by the event but also impressed by its organization and production quality, which prompted her to explore becoming a part of BP. This interest led to a meeting with Hal and Catie Hargrave to discuss her potential involvement. Over the years, her connection to BP and its mission has been enriched through time spent with the Hargrave family, from vacations to weekends, each visit leaving her with new stories and a deeper appreciation for the resources and therapy that empower the paralysis community towards personal independence.
"My understanding of BP's mission is deeply rooted in its commitment to providing comprehensive support to individuals living with paralysis, said Amy. Beyond physical recovery, BP aims to address emotional well-being and empowerment, recognizing the holistic needs of those affected. The foundation's dedication to the 99% promise is particularly inspiring, with zero paid staff, ensuring that the vast majority of funds go directly to those in need. This approach not only speaks to BP's integrity but also ensures that resources are maximized for the community's benefit, a testament to the foundation's genuine commitment to its mission."
Throughout her involvement with BP, Amy has been touched by the resilience and stories of several individuals within the BP community, which have reinforced her dedication to the foundation's cause. As she's grown with the organization, she has evolved from being an attendee at BP events to playing an active role behind the scenes, bringing creative and experiential ideas to enhance the impact of these gatherings, particularly looking forward to contributing to the 2024 Be Perfect Scholarship Gala.
What Amy finds most admirable about BP is the tangible impact its work has on the lives it touches, fostering positive changes and increased independence among those living with paralysis. This tangible impact, coupled with the foundation's deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with paralysis, sets BP apart and underscores the importance of its mission. As a committee member, Amy is privileged to contribute her skills and creativity to BP's events and initiatives, working alongside a passionate team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve.
JACOB SCOTT
Event Coordinator
Jacob Scott has been an integral part of the Be Perfect Foundation for several years. He started as a casual attendee of Be Perfect events since the foundation’s inception due to his connections with family and friends who had profoundly impacted his life. Jacob's journey with the foundation began with these experiences, particularly a memorable 2010 excursion to the Colorado River with Brian Goodwin and friends, which illustrated the boundless possibilities and the immense satisfaction of lending a helping hand. These experiences served as a profound source of inspiration, igniting his desire to contribute and ensure that everyone has the chance to pursue their passions.
“Be Perfect Foundation is a one-of-a-kind non-profit fully committed to success for its clients. Since it has been so close to their heart they know what 99 cents to every dollar can do for their community. From a dollar perspective it is very easy to back an organization like this but what defines the foundation is what kind of community they have made. The paralysis community is a part of a family and the Annual Scholarship Gala shows how bought in the community is.”
Over the years, Jacob has played various roles within the Be Perfect Foundation, often working diligently behind the scenes, assisting with setup, breakdown, and any miscellaneous tasks. However, this year marks a significant shift as he dedicates his time to ensuring that event volunteers are equipped to assist with all aspects of the event. Jacob's passion for creating memorable experiences, much like those he's enjoyed at the Be Perfect events, drives him to provide support on the event floor. His participation in planning meetings for the first time has deepened his appreciation for the immense effort that goes into organizing such events.
What sets the Be Perfect Foundation apart for Jacob is not just its pledge to donate 99 cents of every dollar but also its profound compassion and unwavering commitment to helping others. He has personally witnessed the transformative power of community support in enabling individuals to envision a fulfilling life even while facing physical challenges. Be Perfect exemplifies the idea that anything is possible and that numerous opportunities lie ahead for those it serves.