Rae of Sunshine Foundation

05/02/2026

Happy Derby Day! 🐎☀️😊 Taylor sent me this picture via snap chat. She had so much fun! Precious memories! 💕☀️😊

04/28/2026

Happy Heavenly Birthday to my sweet baby girl. 🤍
You would be celebrating your 27th birthday this Tuesday.

Taylor Rae made me a girl mom 🎀 — and what a gift that was. She loved crafting, taking pictures, and telling stories…especially the ones where she imitated me and her dad. She was so funny. 🤣

She loved to draw and paint, loved music, and truly loved all kinds of people.

I miss you telling me what’s in style, how to do my makeup, and what songs are about to be the next big hit. But most of all… I miss your voice, your stories, holding your hand, and giving you the biggest hugs.

Thank you, sweetheart, for 19 years of the most precious memories. You showed me exactly what it means to be a mom to a beautiful daughter.

Not a day goes by… 🤍

04/17/2026

First visit to Wolfe County High & Middle… but I don’t think it will be the last. 💛

I truly believe the students heard the message:
A simple smile can create another smile.
It’s okay to not be okay.
And there are resources to help—because our mental health is just as important as our physical health.

So as an example, I know several people who manage their diabetes with a plan… if you’re dealing with anxiety or depression, a plan could help you too. 😊

So why do I believe the students heard me?
Because students lined up to sign their names to the Wolfe Pack SMILE, committing to choose kindness and help others smile too.

And then… they said, “We want a t-shirt.”
Well, lucky for them—I had a box in my car. 😊

Gab, President of the Youth Council, walked out with me, grabbed the shirts, and jumped right in to help. That’s leadership. That’s impact.

Now let’s get another SMILE Club up and running and continue making the world a little brighter—one smile at a time. ☀️

04/17/2026

UK Chi O…you always bring both joy and tears.

Taylor Rae was Chi O through and through. So every time I walk into that space, it feels different. I’m standing where she once sat as a member. I’m the guest speaker she would have listened to. And I’m looking into the eyes of young women who remind me so much of her.

This Monday, I was invited back to share her story—and to remind these incredible young ladies that their story matters too.

It is always a blessing. And I always leave the same way…with a soaked shirt. Because I don’t cry tears from my eyes—I sweat…a lot. ❤️

I love Chi O. I love each member. And I will always, always love my baby girl—Taylor Rae.

PS: Shoutout to Chloe and Emma for being the official photographers 🤣

04/10/2026

This was shared 7 years ago….my son Colton Nolan shared it again on his page so I am not gonna lie…brought tears to my eyes and if I wasn’t in public …I’d have a big ole cry. I love her smile. I love her and a sure do miss my baby girl! Thank you The Lebanon Enterprise for this story! 😊☀️💕

Front Page Worth—TayRaeNol! The layout of pictures by Lebanon Enterprise and the story by KYKERNEL supports her beautiful story! www.raeofsunshineky.org

04/01/2026

KY State FCCLA filled my heart! Our two sessions were full, the students and advisors were all in, and we had multiple stations for the students to rotated through on how to build SMILE Clubs and bring mental health awareness back to their schools. But what I’ll remember most…are the hugs, the conversations, and the hope.

I truly believe Taylor Rae would be proud. 💕

If just one student goes back and says, “Hey…we need a SMILE Club,” and chooses to create more kindness and positivity—then every single moment was worth it.

And I’ll be honest…this mama was worn out.

So grateful for every volunteer who showed up and made it all possible. You helped create something really special. 💕☀️😊
kyfccla

03/26/2026

It’s KY FCCLA Week! Taylor Rae was a state officer and loved her time and loved everyone she meet along the way. Rae of ☀️ (I) is blessed to be a part of the conference. I have two sessions tomorrow and of course our ROS merchandise! Love seeing what FCCLA is doing for students across the state.

03/17/2026

Taylor Rae’s friends were searching for a pot of gold in Hagen Hall at UK (2018) and they found Taylor Rae—her little gold body suit sure is memorable! 🌈🥘 She always lit up a room! ☀️ Don’t you love all these smiles!

So…it’s St. Patrick’s Day (2026), I want to remind everyone that the greatest treasures aren’t found at the end of a rainbow… they are the love we carry, the memories we hold, and the light she continues to shine through Rae of ☀️. She will always be our lucky charm. 🍀

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from our hearts to yours. 🍀☀️💕😊
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03/16/2026

More info on scholarships! Due April 15th. 😊

Criteria/Info on the left⬅️ and what you will see on the website view on the right ➡️.

PS. I will never get tired of seeing my baby’s beautiful pictures. Her smile sure makes me smile. 😊☀️💕

03/16/2026

It’s time to apply for the Rae of ☀️ Scholarship in memory of Taylor Rae for future mental health professionals!

☀️ www.raeofsunshineky.org (Resources Tab) application
📪 Post to follow with more details
😊 Share info with potential professionals
📅 Due April 15th

So thankful that our foundation can help others make the world a little brighter! ☀️😊💕

03/11/2026

In Kentucky, high school basketball isn’t just a sport — it’s part of our culture. As teams from across the Commonwealth head to the state tournaments at Rupp Arena, I want to take a few days to highlight some of the incredible things happening in gyms across our state.

Tonight’s spotlight starts at the game between Fleming County and Mason County.

Fleming County High School’s S.M.I.L.E. student organization hosted an incredible Mental Health & Su***de Prevention Night. Student leaders brought together community partners and several student groups to create a night focused on support, awareness, and connection. Their message was clear: every person matters, every person is special, and help is always available.

The gym was filled with encouragement, resources, and a lot of heart. Everyone left with a smile — and two brave young ladies even left with a pie in the face after volunteering for a fundraiser that raised scholarship money for future mental health professionals.

This is what makes Kentucky high school basketball so special. It’s more than the game — it’s community, leadership, and young people making a difference.

More stories from around the state coming soon as we celebrate students in KY!