OPRF Community Foundation Celebrates Inspiring Millennials

Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation Honored Lawlor Coe and Ben Schmidt as an Extraordinary Millennials!

We are so proud to learn that Lawlor Coe and Ben Schmidt would be recognized by the Community Foundation.

As parents, we’re thrilled to see Lawlor’s Ultramarathon in support of Be The Boat celebrated. While they were as different as night and day, Lawlor and Hunter had an extraordinary relationship, and while Hunter wouldn’t run 50 yards if he didn’t have to, we know he would be amazed by Lawlor’s effort. And, on a good day, maybe even humbled. Hunter yearned to earn Lawlor’s respect, as Lawlor had earned Hunter’s long before. And this run would have extended Lawlor’s lore in Hunter’s eyes!

Hunter and Ben met in an elementary summer school class and were fast friends thereafter. Their friendship weathered many storms and up until the day Hunter died, was among the most trusting and honest of relationships. Theirs was a “no BS; call ‘em like I see ‘em” kinda friendship - and hard truths were their common currency. We each should have a friend like Ben — one who won’t tell us what we want to hear but what we need to hear. When the May 2018 fundraiser was in the offing, Ben was the first person we called as a sounding board. And, like always, he stepped up… and more.

Here’s to brothers — familial and found — and the ways they honor one another. It is beautiful to witness such authentic action in support of Be The Boat!