Peyton in the Grand Tetons on a one-month survival trip. Her legacy continues to change tomorrow for young survivors.
What We Do
At the Peyton Tuthill Foundation we help children whose lives have been shattered by losing a parent or sibling to homicide. We do this by providing scholarships and an emotional support network. We help young survivors understand their rights to be notified, to be heard, and to give them a voice in the criminal justice system. We have a committed board of directors and volunteers across the country investing their time and gifts to give hope and change lives. Young survivors need us to care.
Congratulations Aleena!
We applaud Aleena who has earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing on May 6 from UCF. As a result of her outstanding commitment to academics and hard work she has been offered a position as a Pediatric Nurse as soon as she passes her state boards and is licensed.
A few days before Christmas 2014 Aleena’s dad, Charlie Kondek, was shot and killed while responding to a nuisance call. A fugitive fired multiple rounds at her dad, striking him once above his bullet-proof vest. She said, “My dad loved Christmas and his excitement would fill the house every year as he played Christmas carols and announced that Santa had come.” Christmas was unbearable, but they decided to open their Christmas gift knowing that the gifts would be the last from her dad. Aleena was 15 and the youngest of 6 children. Aleena believes her mother is the strongest woman she has ever known.
Aleena shared with me that she was living life like her dad would have wanted. “I can still hear him in my head just saying, ‘Keep going, don’t let this get to you.’ Everything I do, it’s for him,” she said. While in school, Aleena worked at the university’s police department while completing her degree. She will soon be employed in one of Florida’s top hospitals. We are so proud of you!
Congratulations Blake!
Blake earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering and during Covid was blessed with securing employment with a small company. Blake wrote, “My family and I greatly appreciate your generosity and hope to meet you.” He expressed his thanks to everyone who contributes and volunteers with the Foundation. Blake and his mother hope to attend the 2021 annual Wine & Cheese Tasting to personally thank everyone. Read more about Blake under the “Recipient Stories” tab.
Since 1981, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is a time to renew our commitment to serving all victims of crime, to acknowledge the achievements in victim services and allied professions, to honor those who have gone above and beyond in their service to others, and to remember crime victims and survivors.
The Peyton Tuthill Foundation & Big Bend Victim Assistance Coalition (BBVAC) will honor and remember victims with an Empty Seat at the Table on Sunday, April 18, 2021 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. Local and state agencies are partners and will provide resource information for victims and their families to receive assistance with victim’s compensation, grief counseling, mental health services, and court assistance.
Heartfelt Condolences and Support for Shooting Victims and Their Families
There are no adequate words to express the depth of our condolences to the victims and families of the shootings in the Atlanta, Georgia metropolitan area on March 16, 2021 and in Boulder, Colorado on March 23, 2021. Resources to help victims, their families, and the community during this difficult time may be found at the Office of Victims of Crime Helplines.
Victim Connect
Click here to access services at VictimConnect an OVC-funded service that offers confidential assistance to victims of crime. Trained specialists are available to help you locate services in your area, including mental health counseling, legal services, and more.
Or Contact Victim Connect from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. eastern time at:
Phone: 855–4–VICTIM (855–484–2846),
Chat: https://chat.victimsofcrime.org/victim-connect
Dial 711 and VictimConnect staff can provide services through an interpreter in more than 200 languages, and to hearing- and speech-impaired individuals.
Coming.. More information on the annual Wine and Cheese Tasting September 23rd, 2021
In Memory of an Amazing Person and Foundation Supporter. #50
On Friday, August 7, 2020, the world lost one of the nicest people I’ve ever known. I think we should declare this day as Michael Ojo Day of Kindness. He was loved by Florida State University faculty, teammates, and basketball fans for his leadership and giving spirit. We were blessed that he lived with us for 6 weeks after graduation before heading off to Serbia to play with the European League. He lived life with gratitude and compassion for others. He radiated kindness and was an inspiration to all who knew him. Michael had a passion for helping children. With his donations of signed basketballs and his jerseys he helped the Peyton Tuthill Foundation award 3 scholarships to kids who lost family to violence. He was a highlight at our Annual Wine & Cheese Tasting helping with the live auction and photos with guests. I pray for his mother and sisters in Nigeria. He talked about them all the time with such love. I will personally match up to $500 in donations to give a scholarship in Michael’s name this year since we have to cancel our event. Michael, you left the world a better place and your legacy. $50 for #50 to continue you helping survivors of violence.
Thank You!
Thank you for 2019-20 Scholarships given in memory of or in honor of families and friends to benefit children of homicide victims by providing scholarships and a support network. If you would like to make a donation in memory or honor of a loved one, please click here to donate.
Johnny Johnson, son of Dotti Walker, Houston Texas.
Johnny was a giving and compassionate young man who took in a young man with whom he worked. The young man needed assistance and support and Johnny stepped up to help. Sadly, he took Johnny’s life. Johnny loved Christmas, and Dotti explained, “These are the memories that keep me going.” Christmases past and a keen sense of humor, have been essential for Walker these past two decades. Dotti, a retired photographer for the University of Texas medical school, has devoted her life to serving as a victims’ rights advocate. She has helped many other families.
Clark Davis, husband of Eleese, Tallahassee.
Clark passed away suddenly in 2019. Eleese has volunteered with the foundation and has seen the difference it makes in rebuilding lives of shattered victims. In her moment of loss, she asked for memorial gifts to be made to the foundation. Eleese and Clarke’s friends have honored the memory of their friend to help young victims.
Mr. Gregg A. Jarrett, R.N., brother of Aleta Jarrett Cortinas, Tallahassee.
Both Gregg and Aleta’s father lost their lives in their home in Coral Gables as they slept. A break-in was orchestrated by the doctor’s former office manager. The prosecutors said she sent her boyfriend to the Jarretts’ house to retrieve a letter in which she admitted embezzling from her boss. Aleta is an active member of POMC and Moms Demand Action. Knowing the despair as a sibling and daughter, her gifts have provided scholarships to 4 young survivors and she advocates for public safety.
Whether you help through monetary donations, volunteering your time, or spreading our mission through word-of-mouth, thank you. We couldn’t accomplish our goals without the help of supporters like you. We have awarded $105,000 in scholarships.
Families are emotionally, psychologically, physically and financially shattered by homicide. Hearts of Hope provides a small way to acknowledge the devastation and connect young survivors who have lost their family. Consider the loss of a child to violence in your family and the impact on your ability to function. Families are left paralyzed. The scholarships offer compassion and hope for the children left behind.
Our Board Members
Patrick has also held the position of Assistant Bureau Chief in Prisons Programs of Re-entry, where he was responsible for the administrative and contract management and oversight for all in-prison substance use treatment programs and reentry programs statewide.”
Currently an Economist & Director of Development at Florida Tax Watch, Kyle double majored in Economics and International Affairs at FSU, and earned his Master’s in Applied Economics from FSU’s College of Social Sciences and Public Policy.
In 2014, Kyle joined Florida TaxWatch and has since worked on a variety of topics affecting public policy in Florida. Mr. Baltuch is also a fixture at the Capitol during legislative session and has testified on a variety of subject matters before House and Senate committees.
When he’s not crunching numbers, Kyle enjoys volunteering in our community. In addition to sitting on this board, he also sits on the Big Bend Board of the Children’s Home Society.
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The Peyton Tuthill Foundation is a tax exempt organization under IRS 501©(3) – FEID 30-0304121. Peyton Tuthill Foundation is registered with the State of Florida as a charitable organization, registration #CH25703. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE or a thttps://www.fdacs.gov/Consumer-Resources/Charities. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.