Volunteer Profile: Walker Family

On any given day, you might find the Walker family on a golf course, hunting, casting a line (their favorite catch is Louisiana redfish), traveling, working out together, or playing with their four rescue pups. Just as often, though, you’ll spot one or more of them rolling up their sleeves and volunteering with 901 POP or another Memphis nonprofit close to their hearts.

For the Walkers, serving the Memphis community is truly a family affair. Katelin and Lee, along with their daughters Kadence (19) and Lena (“Mathile”) (16), have made a lasting impact on Memphis through their habit of giving back across the city. Their enthusiasm for service shines through in the many ways they support the community, including their longtime commitment to 901 POP.

“Service is a way Lee and I have chosen to spend quality time with the girls,” says Katelin, who calls herself the family’s “Chaos Coordinator.” “We felt it was important for them to identify their gifts and talents and share them with others. As parents, we are gifted approximately seven thousand days with our children before they ‘leave the nest’… we knew it was important to spend them doing things with purpose.”

That sense of purpose led the family to 901 POP. Katelin, a current member of the 901 POP leadership team, first learned about the organization through a longtime mentor and friend who knew the family’s passion for service and thought it would be a perfect fit.

Their first opportunity to get involved with 901 POP was several years ago when they assisted with the floral turkey fundraiser - and they’ve never looked back. Since then, the Walkers - both individually and together - have contributed their time in countless ways. From creating and writing custom note cards and washing vases and buckets to picking up, prepping, assembling, and delivering flowers, they have supported nearly every facet of the organization. In addition, Mathile, an avid baker, has created treats for several 901 POP events, and all four Walkers participate in the annual Breast Cancer Bouquet Giveaway and birthday celebrations.

One of their most meaningful 901 POP experiences, however, came during a particularly difficult time. Last summer, Mathile tragically lost a dear friend and classmate. Partnering with 901 POP and Evangelical Christian School, she found a way to honor her friend’s memory through service.

Mathile and Katelin helped organize a special project to recognize the educators who had influenced her friend’s life. The Walkers, along with many volunteers and donors, created and delivered 80 901 POP floral turkeys to the teachers and staff of New Hope Christian Academy, where her friend had attended.

“Remembering the many people who joined together to bring this project to life - and the look on the teachers’ faces when they were honored - will forever be one of our most cherished 901 POP memories,” says Katelin.

Beyond volunteering, the Walkers have also become enthusiastic champions of 901 POP in the community. They’ve organized vase drives at the girls’ schools and helped coordinate student volunteers. Kadence - now a sophomore at the University of Alabama - once worked with fellow St. Agnes students to create a short video introducing others to the organization. Lee has also helped secure sponsorships and donations from local businesses and individuals.

Indeed, supporting nonprofits - both through service and financial giving - is a shared passion for the family. Katelin and Lee, president of Mechanical Systems Company, have long been generous supporters of 901 POP. As the organization’s former fundraising chair, Katelin also helped shape its fundraising strategy and coordinate corporate sponsorships.

“901 POP and other nonprofit organizations wouldn’t exist without monetary and tangible donations,” Katelin explains. “Even when flowers and vases are donated, there are still costs to keep the lights on.”

At the heart of the Walker family’s approach to service is a simple but powerful belief. A favorite quote in their home comes from Mother Teresa: “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.”

For the Walkers, that philosophy guides everyday choices.

“The smallest gesture has the ability to change the trajectory of another person’s life,” Katelin shares. “Think of that vase or jar you might toss in the trash and its potential to brighten the day of someone in need. 901 POP doesn’t just deliver flowers - we use them as a tool to spread kindness, demonstrate love, and even combat mental illness. You don’t necessarily have to participate in a project or even leave your home to make a difference.”

We couldn’t agree more. Thank you, Katelin, Lee, Kadence and Mathile for all you do for 901 POP and for our city!

If you’d like to join the Walkers in making a difference in our community, we invite you to get involved.