OUR MISSION IS FOR BE LIKE ARI® TO LIVE ON IN HELPING OTHERS THROUGH THE ARI ARTEAGA FOUNDATION

BE THE LIGHT® is a non-profit organization that derives it’s inspiration from Ari Arteaga’s short, but extremely blessed life. Ari lived by his personal motto, “Be the light”, as he touched many lives sharing his passion and joy in making every day filled with compassion. Our mission is to spread his spirit by helping children and families overcome obstacles they may face due to unforeseen hardships. Our goal is to shine Ari’s light on their path of need.

Ari demonstrated his friendship in special ways.

In today's world of distractions, Ari was able to give his full attention to the person he was with, making the moment the most important thing that was happening at the time. He was confident, fun-loving, colorful, and did not take himself too seriously, but made others feel cared for. Ari's persona was in many ways larger than life itself.

He enjoyed helping others.

Ari created friendships with all ages and walks of life, genuinely making a difference in their days, unknowingly helping others feel that their lives mattered, as when he would visit the Florida Baptist Children's Foster Home.

He tried to make every moment count.

Ari Arteaga lived his 16 years of life with a zest for making every day count for himself and for others. From an early age, his positive nature and high energy made him stand out. Ari touched lives with his extraordinary personality and spirit, his natural ability to make others feel cared for, and his special way of engaging with people.

Ari's family set his foundation. 

At home, his family had taught him the golden rule, 'be a good person'. With this in mind, his focus was on living by his heart with compassion, not by society's ways.

-Be Like Ari®

Ari Arteaga lived his 16 years of life with a zest for making every day count for himself and for others. From an early age, his positive nature and high energy made him stand out. He was a loving, fun son and older brother, a dedicated student athlete, and a friend to many. Ari touched lives with his extraordinary personality and spirit, his natural ability to make others feel cared for, and his special way of engaging with people. He created friendships with all ages and walks of life, genuinely making a difference in heir days, unknowingly helping others feel that their lives mattered. 

In his memory, Be Like Ari® has become a way for those who knew him to spread his joy and vision on how life's everyday moments should be precious and shared. Ari had a special gift of living in the present, not being held back by the past nor worrying about the future. His attention was on the day he was living. He had aspirations and goals, but he was not a daydreamer. He tried to make every moment count. In today's world of distractions, Ari was able to give his full attention to the person he was with in conversation, listening intently and making the moment the most important thing that was happening at the time. 

He had a special group of friends, but always achieved to be inclusive of others without judgment. He appreciated the person for their character, not for what they looked like or where they came from. If Ari thought you were a good person he would make you a part of his life. His circle of friends was extended every day of his life. At home, his family had taught him the golden rule- 'be a good person'. With this in mind, his focus was on living by his heart with compassion, not by society's ways. He was confident, fun-loving, colorful, and did not take himself too seriously, but made others feel cared for. Ari's persona was in many ways larger than life itself.

Ari suffered a tragic auto accident at the age of 16,  but his memory and spirit live on in every person who knew him. A few weeks prior, he had begun to spread his personal motto of 'Be the Light' on his social media and in his everyday living. A testimony of this is apparent in the celebration of his life through the support of the community in creating a foundation that is making a difference in helping those in need. Those who knew him are inspired to share his passion for life and caring for others. Be like Ari.®

Be the Light Scholarship®

Be the Light Foundation® has also established the Be the Light Scholarship® to provide financial assistance and place qualified students in academic environments to enhance their futures. Inspired by Ari Arteaga's accomplishments as a student athlete, our goal is to identify students whom can excel as they are provided with the financial and counseling support needed.