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Alexus, or Lexi, who was named after her Godfather Alex Rust, has a unique
perspective on the inspiration of the Chasing Bubbles story. Now, as the
newly nominated President of the Chasing Bubbles Foundation, she's
bringing all her passion with her!
Chasing Bubbles Foundation Board member Alexus (Lexi) Morris has a close personal connection with the inspirational story of Alex Rust and S/V Bubbles. As a current student at Indiana University working towards a degree in Finance while also finishing her associates in Agricultural Business at Ivy Tech, AND participating in multiple organizations at IU (Dance Marathon, and Kelly School of Business Clubs), Lexi hopes her time and energies given will relay her passion for the CBF mission. Read Lexi's personal story below with questions prompted by the Chasing Bubbles Foundation...
CBF: How Did You Know Alex Rust?
Lexi: Alex Rust, or Uncle Alex as I have always called him, was always a major role model in my life. Uncle Alex grew up with my parents and was involved in my life from a very young age. He is my namesake, was my Godfather when I got baptized, taught me how to play piano, and to this day holds the record for the most intense hide-and-seek games the Barn House has ever seen.
He would always pick me up from school and take me to spend an evening with him at the Barn House (the Rust family home). While I never got the chance to sail on Bubbles with Uncle Alex, he always made sure I was involved and learning about what he was experiencing (read Alex's sailing blog!). We would sit and look at the map room, pictures, and videos for hours! I have postcards, necklaces, shirts, shells, and so much more that he sent back from all over the world!
CBF: How Did You Learn About The CBF Board?
Lexi: I still remember the day Sylvia (Alex's mom) asked me to join the Chasing Bubbles Foundation board. It was homecoming week at school and the following day was "throwback jersey day." So, my mom and I asked Sylvia if I could wear Uncle Alex’s 53 jersey. Little did I know, Sylvia was also planning to talk to me about the Chasing Bubbles Foundation that day. She told me I would be the board's youngest member but that they thought this could be a great asset. I agreed to work on the CBF board, and as we began to have meetings, I became more inspired by Uncle Alex’s adventures than I had ever been. Now, two years later, as our previous board President sets off to travel the world with his new wife, I’m filling the role of President!
CBF: How Has Uncle Alex Continued To Inspire You?
Lexi: Growing up listening to Uncle Alex’s adventure stories was an inspiration in itself. He was the definition of truly living life. I was particularly inspired by his involvement with children all over the world. From bringing kids on his boat to visiting different cultures, Alex always included people no matter their age.
As the Chasing Bubbles Foundation started, the involvement with children in India was a major motivation and inspiration for me. I can recall multiple occasions when Joe (Alex's brother and former CBF President) and I would speak about the best ways we could get involved with these groups of kids. Now that we have acquired S/V Bubbles, the opportunities are endless, not only for the current children we are helping in India, but for the youth we are looking to bring aboard Bubbles, the children receiving the 53 footballs provided by the 53 Campaign, and so much more. However, these goals can not be completed without adequate funds and the support of an inspired community.
The 53 Campaign - Full Circle
Lexi: As I have stated, my involvement with the Chasing Bubbles Foundation started the day I was given Uncle Alex’s 53 jersey. This is a full-circle moment for me as we are now running a campaign revolving around this jersey (The 53 Campaign). The goal is to get S/V Bubbles up and running in order to provide maximum adventure opportunities to youth and young-at-heart dreamers, both inside our community and around the world, the same way Uncle Alex always did.
If you're interested in teaming up with the Chasing Bubbles Foundation to keep Alex's spirit alive, please join us! Feel free to reach out with any inquiries to captain@chasingbubbles.org.