About Us
Our family's story and the inspiration for our work.
The story behind our foundation
Kyler's life and legacy
Kyler Efinger was full of enthusiasm and was completely fearless. He was known for his big heart and his super power was love. To be close to Ky was to feel his genuine care and affection, and he touched many lives with his easy going, good-natured character.
His decade-long journey with bipolar disorder may have affected his mind, but never his heart- still all love.
On January 1, 2024, after a lovely holiday visit with the family, Ky was in the throes of a manic episode. His journey tragically ended in an accident at the SLC airport, a heartbreaking reminder of the complexities of mental illness.
The core mission behind all our work
At Love Like Ky, we are driven by a singular mission: to help the next family and save the next life. He spent most of his life in mountain towns communities, which are often struggling three times more than their state's average.
Our Rocky Mountain states have earned the troubling title of the “Suicide Belt”. According to the CDC; Colorado, Idaho, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, and New Mexico all have annual suicide rates >20 per 100,000 - all in the top 10 ranking and 2x the national average.
And within these states, the counties that are home to mountain towns often have suicide rates 2-3x their own state's average. Simply put, our mountain towns are in crisis!
Rooted in our deep connection to these communities, we strive to improve and enhance the quality of mental-well being in these cherished places.
Our Team
The team at Love Like Ky is dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and support in mountain communities.
Judd Efinger
President
Judd has paired a thirty-year career in sales management with running an outdoor leadership and corporate team-building company in Park City, Utah. As founder of Park City Teamworks, Judd has designed business adventures for more than 500 companies and 40,000 business leaders. During the pandemic, he authored his first book, The 7 Summits of Winning Teams.
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Annekë Efinger
Community Engagement Manager
Anni's deep connection to the mountains has shaped her professional and personal life. After working with a health and fitness software startup, she transitioned to Backbone Media, where she developed PR and media strategies for outdoor and active lifestyle clients such as Ski Utah, Dragon, and HEAD skis. She's now taken the PR profession freelance, and enjoys the flexibility and time to also work on Love Like Ky.
Teddy
Ambassador of Well-Being
Teddy is the official mascot of Love Like Ky, spreading Golden Retriever love and wagging his tail wherever he goes. With his incredibly friendly demeanor and loyal spirit, Teddy embodies the heart and soul of Love Like Ky.
Honoring Kyler
To avoid credit card processing fees and to ensure your entire gift will go to the Foundation, you may send a check in the mail. Please contact us for the address!
