Take Time
Take time to think – it is the source of power
Take time to play – it is the secret to perpetual youth
Take time to read – it is the fountain of youth
Take time to pray – it is the greatest power on the earth
Take time to love – it is a God given privilege
Take time to be friendly – it is the road to happiness
Take time to laugh – it is the music of the soul
Take time to give – it is too short a day to be selfish
Take time to work – it is the price of success

The Karen Coaldrake Financial Assistance Fund (KCFAF) was started to honor the memory of a woman who believed that every child deserved equal opportunities in life and to experience the joy of playing soccer. Karen’s amazing life was cut short when she suffered a brain aneurism and passed away on March 23, 2008, at the age of 48.

Karen’s journey with the community and people of Johnston began in 1996, when she and her husband Peter moved here with their boys, Justin and Tristan. Karen worked as an agricultural business consultant while raising her young children. When they began school in Johnston she became actively involved, volunteering countless hours to the PTO and other community education organizations. Her commitment and enthusiasm led to her election to the Johnston school board in 2006. Karen was instrumental in the addition of all day kindergarten to the Johnston school district, but her real goal was to bring happiness and a positive experience to every student.

Karen also developed a passion for soccer through watching her boys play. This passion extended not only to her own children, but to the children of friends, and her son’s friends and teammates. She volunteered countless hours to soccer in the community, challenged thoughts and comments, and ultimately became a board member of the Johnston Soccer Club. Karen was typically one of the first to arrive at a soccer game or tournament simply because she loved being there and enjoyed watching and supporting the kids.

A love of sports led Karen to take up running and to challenge herself to compete. At first, three and five kilometer runs, the Dam to Dam, half marathons, and ultimately four marathons. Marathons encompassed all of Karen’s passions – traveling, pushing herself beyond her comfort zone, making new friends along the way, and most of all, having fun.

Karen’s journey in this world was truly unique and everyone that was included has many fond memories of the sparkle in her eyes, her hearty laugh, her love of life, and her ability to make everyone she met feel like her best friend.

The Karen Coaldrake Financial Assistance Fund provides for families in our communities who need support and assistance so their child can have the opportunity to play soccer. In Karen’s memory, please consider supporting the KCFAF and help give every child the chance to continue their life journey. Karen would and Karen did.  If you would like to make a contribution to the KCFAF, please click here.

For more information on how to apply for financial assistance click here.

Karen Coaldrake Financial Assistance Fund Donation Form



Peter & Karen

Karen Coaldrake


Des Moines half marathon


Chicago Marathon


Dam to Dam


Peter & Karen at a soccer game.








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