Family Foundation Commemorates Flannigan

Plymouth, NH - On Wed., Sept. 18, 2013, family and friends of Brittany Flannigan gathered in Centre Lodge for an on campus remembrance service at Plymouth State University. 

The remembrance service is one example of the Flannigan family's efforts to keep Brittany's spirit alive. Another plan comes in the form of a foundation the family has set up to honor Brittany's memory, "She always made a positive mark on people's lives, and I want to continue that," says Steve Flannigan, Brittany's father.

The foundation will be, "in the spirit of things she enjoyed," stated Flannigan, and at the same time it will "help other kids, help other families...if they're in a tough situation, help them out."

Many have come to learn of Brittany's love for the outdoors and skiing and Flannigan hopes to help other find that same joy. "Whether it's helping people do outdoor things, such as handicapped kids or people who are less fortunate, one example is a handicap ski program."

Flannigan also spoke about his vision for the foundation. "We're not going to target one organization...we want the flexibility to help different situations, different kids." Flannigan stressed the fact that he wants to have a hands on approach with the foundation. "I want to find individual situations and help them directly. As opposed to having them go through a large organization, we want to have a more personal touch."

Comparing it to donating money to charity and not seeing the results or where that money goes, Flannigan wants to directly make an impact. "We want to meet the individual we're helping, have an impact on their situation or life...meet that individual, see what's going on, and follow up."

Still in the early stages, the foundation is starting to get off the ground. Flannigan will look to appoint a board of directors and plans to start the preliminary stages this fall. Until then, the foundation can be found at brittanyflannigan.com. "The website is up and running," Flannigan explained, "and is there to channel some of the donations people wanted to give in her name...until we get things running."

Most importantly, Flannigan wants to keep Brittany's spirit alive for the many hearts she has touched. "We want to move forward with something in her memory in one way or another, as opposed to just having a date on the calendar that comes around every year that's going to make you sad one way or another." Flannigan feels that the flexibility to help kids in need, help teach situational awareness, or set up scholarship funds at Plymouth State University and/or Pinkerton Academy would help benefit young people while also honoring his daughter. 

"We want to build on the beauty of the person who was with us," Flannigan said.