A Heart for Service: How The Abbie DeLoach Foundation Lives Abbie’s Legacy
In the heart of every community, there are people who inspire us to be better, to live with purpose, and to give back. The Abbie DeLoach Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to carrying forward the compassion and spirit of Abbie DeLoach, has been recognized with a 2024 Best of Georgia Award, an honor given to organizations that have made an extraordinary impact. This award, decided by customer votes at gbj.com, is a testament to the foundation's meaningful work and the community's support for its mission.
The Abbie DeLoach Foundation was founded in 2016, a year after Abbie tragically lost her life in a highway accident. A 21-year-old nursing student, Abbie was known for her radiant smile, athleticism, and unwavering commitment to service. Her life was a blend of academic excellence, leadership, and an enduring dedication to helping others—a legacy her family was determined to keep alive. Today, the foundation channels her passion through scholarships, outreach, and community service, ensuring that Abbie’s spirit continues to touch lives.
“Our goal is to continue the good works Abbie began,” says Jimmy DeLoach, Abbie’s father and the foundation’s driving force. “We want to support students who embody the vision and spirit of Abbie in areas she was passionate about—athletics, nursing, outreach abroad, and service in the local community.”
Every year, the foundation hosts two signature events that have become staples for supporters and beneficiaries alike. The annual Scholarship Luncheon celebrates the achievements of scholarship recipients who reflect Abbie’s commitment to academic and athletic excellence. This event, which began as a small gathering, now welcomes over 160 attendees, including family members, community leaders, and government officials. Each scholarship awarded represents an investment in young people who, like Abbie, are driven to make a difference.
Additionally, the True Blue 5K and Abbie’s Adventure Race, held in partnership with Georgia Southern University’s Homecoming Weekend, is an event that brings the community together in a joyful celebration of Abbie’s adventurous spirit. Participants run, laugh, and remember a young woman who lived her life to the fullest, inspiring others to do the same.
The foundation’s impact doesn’t stop at local scholarships. Through partnerships with organizations like the Georgia Nursing Association and Compassion Go, the Abbie DeLoach Foundation provides nursing scholarships, supports local schools, and funds international missions aimed at empowering women and fighting poverty. In 2018, they helped establish “Abbie’s Home,” a vocational training center that assists women in vulnerable situations, extending Abbie’s legacy to communities around the world.
The Best of Georgia Award is more than a recognition; it’s a reminder of the strength of community support and the difference one life can make. Voted on by supporters, this award reflects the deep connection people feel to the foundation and its mission. The foundation’s motto, “Live Inspired,” isn’t just a tagline; it’s a call to action, inviting everyone to carry forward Abbie’s legacy by living with compassion, courage, and a commitment to others.
In every scholarship awarded, every race completed, and every life touched, Abbie’s legacy lives on, encouraging us all to find joy in service and purpose in compassion.
Contact
Phone: (912) 210-1721
Address: 116 Busbridge Cove, Pooler, GA 31322
Email: jimmy@abbiedeloachfoundation.com
Website: www.abbiedeloachfoundation.com
