Today we’d like to introduce you to Drew Haramis
Hi Drew, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
From the time I was a little girl, my greatest dream was to be a mother. After my husband and I had been married for a few years, we were thrilled to start our family, welcoming our son, Lee Jr., and our daughter, Allison. Watching them grow, we cherished every moment and looked forward to their futures, wondering what paths they would take and the dreams they would pursue.
Then, in 2009, tragedy struck. We lost our precious Allison, and our world was shattered. In the depths of our grief, my friends, neighbors, and loved ones surrounded us with an outpouring of love and support. It was through this community’s kindness that Angels for Allison was born—a foundation dedicated to alleviating the financial burden for families experiencing the unimaginable loss of a child. What began as a way to honor Allison’s memory has grown into a mission that has supported over 1,200 families in Northeast Florida.
We could not do this without our incredible community. Their generosity, along with the dedication of our volunteers, staff, and supporters, has carried this mission forward. It is truly humbling to witness how people come together in the face of loss to lift others up. Through Angels for Allison, we not only remember my daughter but also ensure that no family has to walk this heartbreaking journey alone.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Losing Allison was, without a doubt, the hardest thing my family has ever had to endure. In the midst of our grief, my husband looked at me and said, “We have a choice to make tonight—to live or die as well.” At that moment, we chose to live. But that choice didn’t mean the pain went away. It meant finding a way to move forward while carrying the weight of our loss. It meant channeling our grief into something meaningful.
Starting the foundation was both exciting and overwhelming. We knew we wanted to honor Allison’s memory by helping others, but we had no idea where to begin. Thankfully, we were surrounded by a compassionate and driven community that was willing to take those first steps with us. In just six months, we laid the groundwork, but it took over a year to truly get up and running. That first year, we were able to help seven families—a number that felt both humbling and significant. Even though we wished we could do more, those first few grants proved that Angels for Allison could make a real difference.
Now, years later, we are honored to serve over 200 families annually, but the challenges remain. Raising enough funds to meet the growing need is a constant effort, and while we’ve been incredibly blessed to never have to turn away a family in need, we know that sustaining and growing our mission requires ongoing support. Through every struggle, we remind ourselves why we started: to bring hope and relief to grieving families. Looking back, every hurdle has been worth it to be where we are today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am currently in my 37th year of teaching at St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School, now Episcopal School of Jacksonville. For most of my career, I have taught third grade, a pivotal year when children begin to truly engage with the world around them. While I am a self-contained teacher, one of my greatest passions is teaching Jacksonville’s history—bringing it to life in a way that fosters curiosity, understanding, and a deep connection to our city. Beyond the classroom, I love leading Jacksonville history tours, sharing my extensive knowledge and passion for our community’s past.
What I am most proud of, however, is the relationships I have built with my students and their families over the years. Teaching isn’t just about academics—it’s about shaping young minds, encouraging growth, and inspiring a lifelong love of learning. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have stayed in touch with many of my former students as they’ve grown, pursued their dreams, and even started families of their own. Like all teachers, I am deeply committed to providing the best education possible, but my longevity in this career is a testament to my devotion to my students. Watching them succeed is what drives me, and I believe that level of dedication is what truly sets me apart.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about Jacksonville is its rich history—so much of our present is shaped by the past, even in ways people might not realize. For example, the name Mayport dates back to the French explorers who arrived on the first of May and named the river accordingly, The River of May. Jacksonville itself was originally called Cowford, a name that still lives on through businesses like Cowford Chophouse and Cowford Realty, as well as the cow mural under the bridge. Our history is woven into the fabric of our city, and I love discovering and sharing these connections.
I take great pride in being a fifth-generation Jacksonvillian and a descendant of Columbus Drew, one of the founders of Jacksonville. Knowing that my family’s roots run so deep in this city makes my connection to its history even more meaningful.
Beyond history, I love our amazing river, our beautiful beaches, and, most of all, our community. Jacksonville has given me lifelong friendships, a strong support system, and a wonderful place to grow. I truly don’t have a least favorite thing about our city—I am proud to call Jacksonville home, and I love everything about it.
Pricing:
- Donations are greatly needed and appreciated
- We also have sponsorship options for our events and yearly partnerships
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.angelsforallison.org
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/angelsforallisonfoundation
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/angelsforallison
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-allison-haramis-brundick-foundation
