ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — A St. Johns County family is honoring their daughter’s legacy after she was ripped from their lives. Thirteen-year-old Tristyn Bailey was murdered two and a half years ago. Sunday, her family held a gala for the Tristyn Bailey Foundation in her honor.
“We just had moments where we felt overwhelmed that we’re even here because of the loss of Tristyn," said Forrest Bailey, Tristyn Bailey's father.
A lot of emotions and memories bubbled up over the past few weeks for Forrest Bailey as he got everything in line for the inaugural Tristyn Bailey Foundation gala and golf tournament.
Thoughts of his teenage daughter – who was stabbed to death in May 2021.
“It is a lot," said Bailey. "We handled a lot with each other. We had breakdown moments. Earlier today, last week.”
The Bailey family powered through those moments so Bailey’s legacy could live on with a positive impact on the community.
“The four pillars are really reflective of Tristyn herself as well as us as a family," said Bailey.
The new Tristyn Bailey Foundation is raising money for four initiatives: scholarship, victim advocacy, self-defense and social media awareness.
“Obviously there was a lot that happened with social media where that’s how she got exposed to the dangers that night," said Bailey. "So, we want to better educate on social media.”
The Bailey’s took a minute during the gala to thank some of the people who helped them get through the past couple of years.
That gave way to an auction for the foundation with things like a fishing trip, motorcycle and autographed Jaguars helmet.
“Probably the best thing for us is we see a lot of Tristyn’s friends and some of the families she was so close with," said Bailey.
Everyone dressed to the nines making a sea of teal – Tristyn’s favorite color.
“Tristyn loved herself a good party," said Bailey. "With all of the cheer competitions, the end-of-year banquets, she absolutely loved that. I think she’d see we’re focused on having an event that is fun, vibrant and energetic, but also really focused on doing good things.”
The Inaugural Tristyn Bailey Foundation Golf Tournament tees off at the St. Johns Golf & Country Club on Monday morning at 6:30 a.m.