About The Caiyra D Butler Foundation

The Caiyra D. Butler Foundation was born from a mother’s deepest heartbreak and a family’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that one beautiful life continues to make a difference.

On January 17, 2026, our beloved daughter, Caiyra D. Butler, was tragically taken from us in a car accident. Though our hearts were forever changed that day, we made a promise that her life, her light, and her purpose would never be forgotten.

Caiyra was more than a daughter, sister, granddaughter, aunt, cousin and friend. She was a force of love, compassion, and determination. She possessed a contagious smile, a vibrant personality, and a heart that naturally gravitated toward helping others.

The tragedy that claimed Caiyra’s life also revealed an important message that could help save others. Caiyra was riding as a backseat passenger and was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. Through our unimaginable loss, we discovered a mission greater than ourselves: raising awareness about the life-saving importance of buckling up in the backseat every single time you ride.

The Caiyra D. Butler Foundation was established to transform grief into purpose and to ensure that Caiyra’s story becomes a catalyst for change. Through community outreach, educational programs, public awareness campaigns, youth initiatives, and our big annual CAI DAY celebration, we strive to educate families, empower communities, and prevent other families from experiencing the same heartbreaking loss.

But our mission goes beyond seatbelt safety.

One of the most meaningful ways we plan to honor Caiyra’s legacy is through the creation of annual scholarship opportunities for students pursuing degrees in Criminal Justice. Caiyra was preparing to attend law school prior to her untimely death. To pursue her lifelong dream of becoming an attorney. She believed deeply in justice and standing up for others, it is our vision to support future law enforcement professionals, advocates, investigators, attorneys, and public servants who share her passion for making a difference. Through these scholarships, her legacy will continue to inspire future generations to serve their communities with integrity, compassion, and courage.

Our foundation is built on the belief that a life well-lived continues to impact the world long after a person is gone. Every scholarship awarded, every family educated, every event hosted, and every seatbelt buckled represents another way Caiyra’s light continues to shine.

Our signature event, CAI DAY, is an annual celebration of her life, legacy, and impact. It brings together family, friends, supporters, and community members to remember Caiyra, promote safety awareness, provide educational resources, and inspire hope. It is a day filled with love, reflection, community, and purpose and everything that Caiyra embodied.

Today, we invite others to join us in this mission. Whether through donations, volunteering, sponsorships, partnerships, or simply sharing Caiyra’s story, every act of support helps us create lasting change.

Though we wish Caiyra were still here with us, we find comfort in knowing that her life continues to touch countless others.

Her story did not end on January 17, 2026.

Through this foundation, her voice continues to be heard, her dreams continue to be fulfilled, and her legacy continues to save lives.

OUR MISSION

To honor the life and legacy of Caiyra D. Butler by promoting backseat seatbelt safety awareness, supporting educational opportunities through annual Criminal Justice scholarships, and inspiring acts of service, compassion, and community impact that create lasting change.

OUR VISION

A world where every passenger buckles up, every life is valued, and every young person with a passion for justice has the opportunity to pursue their dreams, ensuring that Caiyra’s legacy continues to save lives and change futures for generations to come.

OUR MOTTO

“Her Life. Her Legacy. Saving Lives. Inspiring Justice.”