Volunteers refurbish a room at the YWCA in Crystal 's honor

Making a difference in the lives of others was Crystal's gift. To honor and perpetuate that spirit, Crystal's classmates and stewards of the scholarship fund are driven to make positive contributions to the community.

In March 2005, Crystal Judson Brame Memorial Scholarship (CJBMS) board members made a commitment to refurbish a room at the YWCA women's shelter in Tacoma, Washington. Staff at the shelter expected a general cleaning of the room and fresh paint. Since the room is dedicated to Crystal, her classmates had a grander vision.

Mount Tahoma High School alumni were invited to a fundraising event held at the Brickyard Bar & Grill in South Tacoma. Within hours, more than $1,000 was collected. Additional donations followed in the weeks to come.

Additionally, volunteers negotiated with local businesses to acquire in-kind donations. Several companies were happy to assist with items such as:

	A new dresser and bookshelf (sold at a discount) from Harkness Furniture -- a family-owned, South Tacoma business since 1920
	A spectacular flower arrangement by award-winning Grassis Flowers & Gifts
	Assorted supplies and paint from Parker Paints--supplier of great Northwest paints
	Two large boxes of assorted hygiene products from West Coast Beauty Supply
	Once key items were acquired, strategic planning paved the way for shopping to purchase bedding, window dressings and other coordinating pieces.
	Cleaning supplies from Murtough Supplies

On a Saturday morning in mid-April, 2005, a work crew of six met outside of the YWCA. Upon entry, they signed confidentiality agreements required to protect residents of the shelter. They were led upstairs to a very petite room with six bunk beds--accommodations for a displaced mother and her children. At that moment, the impact of their volunteer effort was truly brought to light.

For hours they swept, scrubbed, then finally painted the room a pale lavender- Crystal's favorite color. They arranged new furniture, bedding and curtains. Books were placed in shelves. Teddy bears and gift baskets adorned each child's bed. The mother's bed, specially decorated, included a basket filled with thoughtful products meant for pampering oneself. A colorful flower arrangement and lamp with low-lighting transformed the room into something more. Framed drawings from Crystal 's children, Haley and David, were among the finishing touches. A plaque was positioned on a wall, dedicating the room to Crystal.

Crystal 's family was invited to view the room before the family living there returned. They arrived moments after the renovation was complete-anxious to see the dedication. For some volunteers, it was an occasion to meet Crystal's parents, Lane and Patty Judson. For others, it was a chance to reunite and recall simple memories. For everyone, meeting Haley and David was a first. Crystal's sister and brother-in-law, Julie and Dave Ahrens, rounded out the crowd.

Every member of Crystal 's family expressed sincere appreciation and gratitude. For a time, everyone stood in the center of the room, just thankful to be involved. It was an occasion to remember.

After an emotional prayer and heartfelt hugs, the volunteer group excused themselves to allow Crystal's family a private moment. Afterwards, when Julie and Dave exited the building, a vibrant rainbow appeared high in the sky. They captured the moment on a digital camera.

The rainbow photo (below), among other pictures taken, were shared in the evening at another Brickyard gathering to celebrate the achievement. Many donors attended to hear accounts of the day's events and to see the impact of their generosity.

A reporter from The Tacoma News Tribune, chronicled the event (http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/projects/david_brame/story/4781454p-4402908c.html). By Monday, a front-page story revisited the circumstances of Crystal 's death, described the room makeover and introduced readers to The Crystal Judson Brame Memorial Scholarship (CJBMS). The readers responded and offers to donate followed.

Friends of Crystal's refurbishing a room at the YWCA in Crystal's honor:

A vibrant rainbow appeared high in the sky when Crystal's sister and brother-in-law left the YWCA