This morning, Colleen’s parents Peggie and Tom Ritzer visited Sanborn Elementary School, as part of the school’s “Step Up” campaign that promotes kindness.

The Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Fund has donated $160,000 to help build an inclusive playground at the school in honor of Colleen, who attended Sanborn Elementary School as a child, along with her brother Dan and sister Laura.

The entire school gathered to hear from the Ritzers and from Sharon Marrama, the executive director of Connor’s Kindness Project.

As part of the program, every student took the Kindness Pledge, committing to help create a school community where everyone feels valued, supported, and included.

From inspiring messages to meaningful community support, it was a great day to see kindness in action!