The Karyn Heckman Family Foundation is proudly working with the Culver Academies and the School of St. Jude to help foster a better opportunity and a better life for impoverished children around the world. Both Culver Academies and the School of St. Jude are outstanding academic institutions and both were dear to Karyn’s heart. Along with donating directing to both institutions, the Karyn Heckman Family Foundation is also working to bring both of these schools closer together. 

The School of St. Jude - Sponsorship School, Arusha, Tanzania

Driven by Karyn’s charitable heart, the Heckman family’s giving to the School of St. Jude dates back to the mid 2000’s. It started with sponsorship of one student, Zulfa Abu Maree. Over the years the Heckman family has gotten to know Zulfa very well through numerous personal letters, report cards and updates from the School of St. Jude. Karyn and the rest of the family were so impressed by the school’s overall committed to its sponsors that the family, and now the foundation, have expanded their sponsorship to multiple students, teachers and buses. 

Over the summer, Evan Heckman, Co-founder of the Karyn Heckman Family Foundation and Trustee, was able to visit one of the foundation’s sponsor students in Arusha, Ibrahim. During the visit, Evan got know Ibrahim, what his life in Tanzania is like and what his aspirations are. Evan recalled his conversion with Ibra as “a special moment”, as the exuberant young Ibra told Evan all about his fascination with planes and how he wants to become a pilot one day. Moments like these only reaffirm the Karyn Heckman Family Foundation commitment to the School of St. Jude.

Culver Academies - Boarding/Prep School, Culver, Indiana

Culver Academies and its summer programs left a lasting impact on the Heckman family, particularly Evan Heckman. At the age of 11 he attended Culver’s Woodcraft Summer Camp. Both Karyn and Mark noticed an incredible transformation in their son due to his experiences at camp. He was more confidant, outgoing and more prepared for the upcoming school year than ever before. These experiences were vital to his maturation and the Karyn Heckman Family Foundation is delighted to give this same opportunity to children, who otherwise could not afford it. 

2017 Recipients of the Karyn Heckman Family Foundation Woodcraft Scholarship

Pamela Caldron from Ecuador - Pamela is a ever positive young lady. She always has a smile on her face. Her gentle manner allows her to make friends with ease. Her main goal at Culver to improve her English and learn more about other cultures. Pamela is an absolute pleasure to be around and is a great addition to the Culver family! 

Karen Rodriguez from Colombia - Karen is an ideal camper, friend, and person.  She is always respectful and kind to others. Her close friends mean everything to her. Woodcraft Camp gives her an opportunity to experience new activities and one of her favorites is her air rifle class. She puts her heart and soul into everything Culver offers. She is the quintessential Woodcraft camper!