Kelly's Fundraiser for La Familia

Dear family & friends,

I’m running a half marathon on September 14, 2025, to raise $5,000 for The Family Center / La Familia—an organization that’s doing critical work to support families in Northern Colorado.

La Familia provides high-quality early childhood education and services to more than 1,400 families each year, with a strong focus on serving Latinx, immigrant, and working-class communities. Their programs offer bilingual childcare, mental health support, parenting education, and a true sense of belonging.

Due to unexpected state and federal funding cuts, La Familia has lost more than $200,000 and has been forced to reduce staff hours just to keep essential services running. I want to help ensure this vital support system remains strong for the families who need it most.

This fundraiser is also personal. I’m dedicating this run to my grandmother Carol Unger and my father-in-law Lawrence Houghteling, both of whom passed away last year. Carol and Larry were deeply committed to early childhood education—Carol through her work with the Reading & Great Books Program at Cathedral Grade School, and Larry as a teacher in East Harlem and at Children’s Village. Supporting La Familia feels like a meaningful way to carry forward their legacy of learning and care.

If you’re able to give, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Every gift—no matter the size—makes a difference. And if you can't give, please consider sharing this page to help spread the word.

With gratitude,

Kelly Houghteling