Mother Holds Fundraiser in Memory of Kennedy Grad

Five years ago, Rita Kestenbaum lost her daughter, Carol, in a tragic and senseless incident. Since her daughter's death, she has been on a quest to keep Carol's memory alive by helping young people know their self worth and make positive decisions.

Kestenbaum, founder of the Carol Kestenbaum Foundation, recently hosted the Light Up the Night Fundraiser for the organization in memory of her daughter.

"The gala provided us with a way to get together and remember Carol and through our continued love for her we will keep her light going," Kestenbaum said.

In February 2007, Carol Kestenbaum, a 20-year-old Kennedy High School graduate, and her childhood friend, Nicole Schiffman, 20, were murdered by a fellow Arizona State University student. Since the tragic incident, Rita Kestenbaum has made it her purpose to help others.

The Carol Kestenbaum Foundation was founded to create a lasting model of quality living for young people by promoting a healthy worldview and encouraging young people to make positive choices in their lives, relationships and communities.

The foundation is teamed up with Morry's Camp, a youth developmental organization and summer camp located in Elmsford, NY as well as the Long Island Crisis Center.

Gary Morganstern, one of the fundraiser's organizers, has known Carol Kestenbaum since she was a little girl.

"I was her dentist," he said. "She was a beautiful girl and very well loved."

Rita Kestenbaum said that through the foundation, her daughter's legacy will live on.

"It enables Carol's spirit to continue," she said. "Although Carol no longer walks this earth, we are able to create programs that makes the world a better place in her memory."

Drew Moss contributed to this report.