The Stafford Junction Board of Directors established the Kelsey F. Cartledge Memorial Fund on November 20, 2019. The memorial fund quickly totaled over $45,000 and many other individuals and businesses would provide thousands of dollars of in-kind donations. The memorial fund was to be used for a special capital project that would meet the needs of the children and families it serves while recognizing Kelsey’s caring and compassion for giving young people a “hand up” in life.

The Outdoor Classroom was born from the phrase “in lieu of flowers.” The phrase meant that those who wish to recognize Kelsey’s life could send their gifts to Stafford Junction. Kelsey F. Cartledge was a lifeguard, captain of his baseball team, an honor student who graduated from the Craig School of Business at Missouri Western State University, President and founding member of Alpha Sigma Phi, and a mentor to children in many summer camps and childcare programs.

Stafford Junction CEO, Mark Cartledge, shared that “Stafford Junction is a faith-based organization whose mission is to transform lives through faith and action.  We serve children and their families who live in poverty in Stafford County through education, empowerment, and healthy-living programs.”

Cyril Hart, chairman of the board for Stafford Junction, said, “We want to thank everyone for being part of this project.  We now have a unique opportunity to provide an outdoor educational experience to our Junction children and to our community.  We look forward to witnessing the fruits of this effort for many years to