LEANNA’S WAY OFFERS A PATH OF INSPIRATION
On Saturday, June 29, our community will celebrate the life of a very special person by dedicating a unique memorial in her memory. Friends, family and the public are invited to celebrate the life of Leanna Knopik, with the dedication of Leanna’s Way, at the Center for Building Hope, 5481 Communications Parkway in Lakewood Ranch. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m.A bright, shining high school student, Leanna died last summer after bravely battling myocarditis, a rare viral infection of the heart. Just 16 years old, Leanna excelled in her studies at Riverview High School, was actively involved with Sarasota Crew, attained her black belt certification in Tai Kwan Do, and was very involved with her church youth group and Young Life. Her passing was sudden and yet it drew our community together in a loving and spiritual way.
Since her death, Leanna’s parents, Steve and Beth Knopik, with the support of their friends, felt a need to create a legacy in Leanna’s name to inspire others and honor their daughter. “Leanna touched thousands of people with her story of bravery and faith,” said Beth.
One way to do that was to create a structure named ‘Leanna’s Way’, a contemplative walk and observation tower, located on the campus for the Center for Building Hope, where her mother is a board member. The tower is nestled among native vegetation, overlooking 600 acres of pristine Florida landscape. The idea is for ‘Leanna’s Way’ to be a place for prayer, meditation and renewal within its peaceful natural surroundings.
A group of Sarasota’s most talented architects, builders, engineers and designers offered their time and talent to help realize their inspiration. Fundraising for the project was led by local restaurateur, Michael Klauber, and his wife, Terri, who worked tirelessly until $150,000 was raised to complete the Knopik’s vision for their daughter’s legacy.
