Fayette nonprofit helping those with special needs ‘run their race’
Courtesy of Christine Eckert
Team Ian Charities held a bowling fundraiser at Manor Lanes in Hopwood on Feb. 19. Pictured, from left, are Ian’s parents, Paul and Christine Eckert, and sister Emma Eckert.
Courtesy of Christine Eckert
Last month, Team Ian Charities delivered noise-canceling headphones to students in the life skills class at Laurel Highlands Middle School.
Courtesy of Christine Eckert
Ian Eckert spread joy and kindness throughout his 14 years. After his death in September, his parents established Team Ian Charities to help others with special needs.
Ian Eckert spread happiness everywhere he went.
On May 21 – what would have been the Fayette County boy’s 15th birthday – a nonprofit established in his name wants others to help carry on his legacy by doing random acts of kindness to celebrate his life.
“The ideas are unlimited,” said his father Paul Eckert, of Lake Lynn, adding that a kind act could be as simple as spending time with someone in need of company.
Ian’s parents, Paul and Christine Eckert, established Team Ian Charities Inc. about two months after their son’s death in September 2022. The nonprofit’s goal is to enhance the lives of other people with special needs.
“Ian was nonverbal and nonmobile, so he was dependent on everyone else to basically learn and understand the way he communicated,” said Christine.
“(Team Ian Charities) is one way for us to keep sharing and spreading joy, and Ian certainly did that,” she said. “We truly believe we were on this journey for a purpose outside of being parents to Ian. We’ve got more work to do on Ian’s behalf.”
She said the mission of Team Ian Charities is to “help others run their race.”
“Our goal with fundraising is to give it right back. But in addition to donations, we’re trying to identify needs,” she said. “If there’s someone that (has) special needs, talk to one of us. It’s something that we’ll follow up on because no need is too small.”
Last month, the Eckert family delivered noise-canceling headphones to students in need at the Laurel Highlands Middle School’s life skills class. At the time of his death, Ian was an eighth-grade student at Albert Gallatin South Middle School.
“Even if it’s a box of headphones, we forget how touching something is to somebody,” she said. “My son had an adjustable bed that vibrated and was very comfortable. That, to him, was one of the best comfort items anybody could ever give.”
Ian’s older sister, Emma Eckert, is also a member of Team Ian Charities. She said she cherishes memories of baking chocolate chip cookies with her brother, and hopes to make others happy by being involved with the nonprofit organization.
“He was the happiest kid I’ve ever met, and I think the world would be a much better place if we all were a little more like Ian,” she said.
LeAnn Bergman, Ian’s aunt, said being a part of the organization is important to her because she saw Ian persevere throughout his life.
“I hope the light and love Ian brought to my life will shine through me, so I can help others run their race with joy, as Ian did,” Bergman said.
All involved in the nonprofit hope that people throughout the community will honor Ian and embrace May 21 as a sort of “Random Acts of Kindness Day.”
“We are asking folks to then go to our website, www.teamiancharities.org, and (submit) their zip code after they perform that act of kindness,” Paul said.
“We want to see how many acts of kindness can happen around the world,” Christine said.