RICHMOND, Va. – Ten years after a Richmond family’s brutal murder, their legacy can be seen numerous places around the city.
From a picturesque footbridge in Forest Hill Park to monuments in beautiful gardens outside of schools and museums, the Harvey family has made a lasting impression in the lives of many.
Memorial marker at footbridge in Forest Hill Park.
Sally Kemp, a close friend of the family, said her memories have not faded. In fact, she can still see Bryan and Kathryn Harvey's smiling faces and the angelic smiles of their two daughters, 9-year-old Stella and 4-year-old Ruby.
"Just the way they lived their life, the creative, courageous paths they took," Kemp explained. “Together as a family, they were magical... And I think remembering them, and remembering who each of them were together, inspires us each year."
It was Jan. 1, 2006 when intruders broke into the Harvey's home in Forest Hill Park and murdered the young family.
The unspeakable tragedy devastated the community, but eventually made it stronger thanks to an endowment established in the family's name.
Sally Kemp
This December, Kemp learned her organization, Milk River Arts, would receive $2,500 from the endowment.
The organization pairs special needs artists with professional artists.
"I was over the moon as one of our artists always say,” Kemp said. “To think about having the Harvey family magic support our artists is a surprise gift and one we'll celebrate and share with so many art lovers in Richmond."
Milk River Arts pairs special needs artists with professional artists.
Three others Richmond organizations, Art 180, Girls Rock RVA and Podium Foundation also received grants from the endowment totaling more than $15,000.
While Kemp said she is honored, she is especially grateful that the Harvey family’s legacy will live on in her artists.
Milk River Arts painting.
Paige Harvey, Bryan’s sister, said the family loved Richmond.
“Bryan and Kathy were kind and generous and deeply engaged in the Richmond community. They lovingly raised Stella and Ruby to fully embrace the joys of life. As a family, they shared a love for each other, the arts and their community,” Paige Harvey said.
Since its inception, the Bryan and Kathryn Harvey Memorial Fund has received nearly 600 contributions from the public totaling $190,000.
The Harvey family.
