Foundation named for late NC political strategist

Foundation leaders want the organization to identify, mentor and train young leaders interested in working at nonprofits, socially minded businesses or in public service.

"I fell in love with her immediately. You couldn't not - you were completely captivated by her," said Sarah Crawford, a close friend of Hahn who met her in 2006 while doing campaign work.

Hahn wrote in her journal that her goal in life was to start something that had an impact. Crawford and others are making sure that happens through the foundation.

"This weekend is really about celebrating her life, her love, and launching this foundation to continue her legacy of helping those who are less fortunate," Crawford said.

Hahn died April 24, two days after she was attacked in Raleigh. Her husband Nation Hahn was also stabbed but survived.

Jonathan Wayne Broyhill, 31, the best man at the couple's wedding, was charged with murder and other crimes. He had not been formally arraigned as of Friday.

Raleigh police haven't released many other details about the crime, but people close to the case have said that Broyhill – a longtime friend of the couple – had been at their home for dinner when the attacks happened.

Nation Hahn was in another room when he heard screaming and walked in on Broyhill stabbing his wife, according to sources.

Jamie Hahn was able to escape and ran outside before collapsing in a neighbor's yard.

Jamie Hahn ran Sky Blue Strategies, a firm focused on fundraising for nonprofit and political campaigns. Its clients include the North Carolina Democratic Party, the Wake County Democratic Party, gubernatorial candidate Bob Etheridge and former Rep. Brad Miller, who represented North Carolina's 13th congressional district.

More than 100 people are signed up to volunteer Saturday with the Interfaith Food Shuttle. Saturday night is Jamie's Birthday Jam – a big concert at the Lincoln Theater in Raleigh. Crawford says the foundation will use the money they raise to help train the next generation of community leaders.

"It's going to be full of joy this weekend," she said. "Full of sadness, no doubt, but full of joy. There has been an amazing amount of work done in the last six months to form this foundation, to raise the funds we needs to get it off the ground and to continue her work in the community."

The Foundation has already raised more than $210,000.