The KLT Foundation was created in memory of Kathryn Leigh Thurgaland, also known as Kayleigh, who was just 18 years old when she tragically passed away in a car crash. The loss devastated Kathryn’s family and friends, but her parents, Todd and Jodell Thurgaland of Ocklawaha, channeled their grief into something meaningful. They established the foundation and the Love of Life Festival to honor Kathryn’s vibrant spirit.
Kathryn was a talented artist, musician, and dancer—an energetic soul who never met a stranger and truly embodied joy. Her contagious energy continues to inspire the mission of the Love of Life Festival, an annual music and arts event that provides a platform for aspiring artists and musicians to showcase their talents while carrying on Kathryn’s legacy.
The festival invites everyone to come together to celebrate life, honor a loved one’s memory, and keep their spirit alive by saying their name. It serves as a space for those grieving the loss of someone gone too soon, offering comfort and connection through shared remembrance.
For its fourth year, the Love of Life Festival moved from its previous Ocala venue to The Villages Polo Club. The event took place on Saturday, February 15, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Festivalgoers enjoyed a variety of attractions, including art vendors, food trucks, a beer tent, a silent auction, raffles, a kids’ zone with bounce houses and face painting, clowns, and a diverse lineup of live music performances. The KLT Foundation’s mission extends beyond hosting the festival. It aims to support and sponsor causes that reflect Kayleigh’s free-spirited nature— embracing music, art, and dance as a way to celebrate life. All proceeds from the Love of Life Festival benefit the Kathryn Leigh Thurgaland Foundation, which provides scholarships to graduates pursuing inspired lives and offers support to families who have lost a child.
Jodell Thurgaland explained how the foundation assists grieving families: When a child passes away, a concerned community member often reaches out to the KLT Foundation. The foundation then establishes a liaison to coordinate support, ensuring essential items such as ice water, juices, garbage cans, and meals for an entire week are provided to help families navigate an unplanned and overwhelming loss.
To learn more about the KLT Foundation and the Love of Life Festival, visit www.kltfoundation.com/lolfestival.
