Kelli Sprunt and her family turned their trials of pain into opportunities of service Nov. 10. By helping homeless teens and youth, Sprunt co-hosted a benefit concert supporting homeless teens and youth at BYU’s Varsity Theater.
Two years ago Sprunt’s cousin, Blake, passed away. Her family decided to remember him through giving service.
“He was the walking definition of service to others, so our family decided there was no better way to honor him than by doing what he was known for,” Sprunt said.
Sprunt’s family decided to help homeless teens in need this year by collecting items that could help those in need around her age.
“When people think of homeless people they don’t always think of homeless teens,” Sprunt said.
It’s an issue Sprunt hopes to address and bring awareness to through the benefit concert. Coupled with Sprunt’s passion for music and planning events, the benefit concert came naturally.
“It only seemed natural to give back in a way I knew how,” she said.
She has worked closely with several local music groups through her job. A few of the bands she works with volunteered their time to put on a benefit concert.
Hard work and long hours went into making this event a possibility. With the help of friends and family, Sprunt was able to get a few Provo businesses to donate goods for a raffle at the event.
Sprunt has felt a sense of peace this past month as she has been putting the event together.
“It goes to show what service can do for the one who is doing the service and not just those on the receiving end,” Sprunt said.
Canned goods, hygiene products or clothing items were the only requirements to be part of the raffle that took place during the event. Bins located at the doors quickly filled with goods donated by attendees.
“It warms my heart that people bring bags and not just one dinky item,” said Sprunt’s roommate, Abigail Hulme.
Giving service has helped Sprunt and her family feel closer to her cousin, Blake.
Some people have asked Sprunt if she did the event as a résumé builder. That thought didn’t even cross her mind as she was planning the event.
“There wasn’t any ulterior motive for doing the event other than to help with the healing that comes when you lose a family member,” she said.
