About Us

Originally sought out to aid the tens of thousands of people who survived Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in August of 2005, Kari Taylor founded the Supporting Gulf Efforts Foundation (SGE). After receiving her 501c3 determination, she connected with health center staff in Louisiana and supported the Katrina Relief Efforts throughout the region until FEMA blocked support operations. Determined to keep the organization active, Kari reorganized and repurposed SGE to focus on helping children with AIDS and supporting pediatric AIDS research, leading to the foundation’s name change to the LORIS TUNSTALL FOUNDATION.

At that time, the LORIS TUNSTALL FOUNDATION’s mission shifted to support children with AIDS, Pediatric AIDS Research, Childhood Obesity, and elderly support services. To align with this new mission, several programs were developed, including a Creative Arts Program, KT’s Sports Camp, and a Division of Sports and Recreation, along with a dedicated initiative for assisting the elderly.

Under the Creative Arts Program, various entertainment events were hosted to provide grants to AIDS organizations and pediatric research. The HUSH Foundation enlisted Brandi Taylor, a trained dancer and instructor, to lead the Creative Arts Program. Her leadership catalyzed a successful dance platform, featuring classes, ensembles, and partnerships with KPA and 2wisted Elegance, as well as the Jan Fam Project, which showcased students throughout Torrance and the Los Angeles County areas. KT’s Sports Camps were led by former football player Kim Taylor, II, and the Sports Program eventually expanded to Aurora, Colorado, with the Regional Division of Sports and Recreation headed by Kerry Lovett. Under Kerry’s guidance, a Pop Warner Football Team was established, providing at-risk children and teens in Aurora with a positive outlet.

In 2017, after Kari’s mother suffered a stroke, she began to assist her on a part-time basis. One day, her mother inquired about the foundation’s work, expressing a desire to know more about its initiatives. Kari shared the foundation's efforts to help children and mentioned a program focused on homebound elderly assistance. Her mother suggested that focusing on elderly support services could raise awareness about the lack of programs for aged adults. Kari did not realize the significance of that conversation until 2019, when her mother endured a heart attack and multiple strokes, leaving her bedridden and unable to communicate except through her eyes and face. Following a negative experience with a skilled nursing facility where her mother received therapy, Kari and her siblings decided to care for her mother at home, with Kari taking on the role of primary caregiver. This courageous decision not only allowed her to utilize her nursing skills but also provided her with invaluable insights into care management for the elderly. She built relationships with various healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and therapists, and became acutely aware of the gaps in support and programs for the elderly, which motivated her to ensure her mother received the highest quality of care.

In 2022, after her mother's unexpected passing in the hospital, Kari recognized the profound impact of her earlier conversation regarding the foundation's mission. It became evident that The HUSH Foundation needed to be reorganized once more, with a renewed focus on advocating for seniors. On May 14, 2026, the board decided to rename The HUSH Foundation to The Loris Tunstall Foundation in honor of Kari's mother, continuing her legacy of care and love.