Mom Spotlight: Kristen Saffa for Arkansas Children’s
Meet Kristen Saffa. She’s a mom of two, avid runner and chair of the 2020 Arkansas Children’s Race for a Healthier Tomorrow. We loved hearing more about the race and her family's after-school routine.
How did you get involved with the Race for a Healthier Tomorrow?
I have sat on the ACH Auxiliary Board for several years in other capacities. A few years ago, when the idea of the race came to fruition, they were in search of the next chair. I have been an avid runner for all of my adult life, so all the powers that be thought it was a perfect fit for my next step as a board member, and I could not agree more!
What do you love about working with the race?
I am a very technical person, so working an event that is more logistical in nature versus a big gala-type event is more my speed! Plus, if I show up to a meeting after a long run, no one is ever offended!
What after-school activities are your kids involved in?
We try to keep a good balance between the different types of events our children are involved in. Our 4-year-old is a bit too young to be too involved in many activities, but we keep him busy with weekly tennis lessons and spring/fall programs like soccer or baseball. Our 8-year-old has a lot more options and has chosen to focus her efforts on art, tennis and basketball.
What are your go-to weeknight meals?
We are huge meal planners at our house! I write a menu for the upcoming week to plan each night’s dinner. We have a menu board in the kitchen so everyone knows what to expect. I try to research new and different ideas each week so we don’t get stuck in a rut.
How do you involve your kids in volunteer work?
I have a large family with four sisters and parents who are amazing about making memories with our children. My mom makes a point to involve the kids in the Arkansas Food Bank Food for Senior Citizens program, delivering a box of food to a senior citizen once a month.
What are your kids’ favorite books right now?
“Dragons Love Tacos!” The author explains how dragons LOVE tacos, but not spicy tacos. Another favorite is “Secret Pizza Party” about a raccoon who is obsessed with pizza. My daughter and I are currently reading the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series, and I think they are hysterical!
Do you have a favorite date-night spot?
My husband and I enjoy making an adventure out of our date nights, so you usually won’t find us dining at a regular neighborhood restaurant. We love to jump in the car and drive to a great hole-in-the-wall spot that we’ve heard has amazing food! Recently, we drove down to Dumas, Arkansas to eat an amazing steak at Taylor’s Steakhouse. It was definitely worth the drive!