Legacy of Kalix, Ramsie lives on with their own fundraisers

The legacy of Kalix Broussard and Ramsie Baumgardner continues to live on by helping others despite them not being with us today.
Both 18-year-olds were killed in auto accidents in Vermilion Parish two years apart.
Broussard was killed on January 27, 2020 as a result of an automobile accident on La. 14. next to Southern Oaks Golf Course in Abbeville. A car crossed the center line and hit Broussard’s truck head on. He was 18 years old and a 1999 Vermilion Catholic graduate.
On Jan. 23, 2022, North Vermilion High senior Ramsie Baumgarder died on Hwy. 167 in a two-car accident. She was traveling south on Hwy. 167 and ran into a car head-on. The collision on Hwy. 167 near Lurby Road also killed Brandon Isaac of Carencro, the driver of the a vehicle that was driving the wrong way.
Despite not being with us, both 18 year olds are making a difference thanks to many great people in Vermilion Parish.
A scholarship fund has been set up in their names and ironically, the two different fund raisers for the scholarships are happening this week.

Ramsie fundraiser today (July 12) at Riverfront

Ramsie’s parents set up a Ramsie Baungardner Scholarship in 2022. The scholarship is given to a North Vermilion graduate who met certain qualifications. The NV graduate had to play two sports, along with being involved in the community and school while maintaining at least a 3.0 grade point average.
In 2022, the Baumgardner family awarded 10 $1,000 scholarships to NV seniors - five male and five female students. The reason it was 10 was because it was Ramsie’s class.
This past school year, one $1,000 scholarship was awarded to one student, Ava Cawyer.
In order to raise money for the Ramsie Baumgarder Scholarship, two fundraisers happen each year. Normally in October, Snap Fitness in Maurice holds a 5-K run and part of the proceeds go towards her scholarship.
The second fundraiser is occuring all day today at Riverfront Resturant in Abbeville.
The resturant is donating 20 percent of its sales to the scholarship. Darrel Fontenot will provide music from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Riverfront offered to help because Ramsie was employed at Riverfront at the time of her death.
“I never realized the impact she had on so many people,” said Brian Baumgarder about his daughter. “We were so overwelmed at the funeral.”
The scholarship helps Ramsie continue to make an impact on someone’s liife despite not being here, he said.
“I am hoping there will be a good turnout,” he added. The Vermilion Parish community comes together.”

Golf tournament Saturday for Kalix scholarship

This weekend is the third annual Kalix Broussard Memorial Golf Tournament at Southern Oaks Country Club.
The four-man scramble is fundraiser to support a scholarship established by the Foundation of Acadiana.
The golf tournament is a 4-man scramble and has already reached its 36-team capacity.
The tournament is put on by Paul Whittington, who owns Whittington Veterinary Clinic in Abbeville. Kalix worked at the veterinary clinic.
“Paul is a great guy,” said Bubba Broussard, Kalix’s father. “He is selfless. You can not ask for a better human being.”
The tournament continues to grow which is great, said Broussard. Kalix’s football jersey was No. 16. On the 16th hole, there are special games to play.
When deciding who is awarded the scholarship, grades, academic or athletic achievements are not seriously looked at.
The scholarship goes to a Vermilion Catholic senior who has the same work ethics as Kalix. His father said students write an essay to the scholarship committee explaining how they live their lives and does it compare how Kalix’s lived his.
“Kalix went above and beyond to help others,” said Broussard. “It is a just a check in hand,. They can use the money to start a new job. Not everyone goes to college.”
Winning each $2,500 this past school year were Ashton Belaire and Zoe Melancon.
Broussard and his family plan to be helping at the tournament.
“I missed the first one because of work, but I attended last year. I was surprised by everyone and how the community came out. It was pretty amazing all of the volunteers. Kalix would be proud.”
Also, part of the proceeds of the golf tournament will go towards Dustin Bertrand’s God Made Self Driven Ministry. Kalix and Bertrand were friends.