Founded in honor of Bethany Leanne Markowski, who went missing in 2001, The Bethany Markowski Foundation exists to ensure no family faces the nightmare of a missing child alone. For nearly 25 years, we’ve learned firsthand what families need most when a child goes missing—resources, guidance, emotional support, and above all, hope. What began as one mother’s search for her daughter has grown into a commitment to support families across Tennessee and beyond.
Our Mission
To support families of missing children through comprehensive resources, guidance, and advocacy while educating communities on child safety and prevention strategies. We exist to:
- Provide immediate, practical support to families navigating the search for a missing child
- Educate communities on child safety and prevention
- Coordinate community search efforts and public awareness campaigns
- Advocate for missing children and their families
- Ensure no family faces this journey alone
Our Vision
A world where every missing child is found, every family receives the support they need, and every community is equipped to keep children safe. We envision communities where:
- Families have immediate access to resources and support when a child goes missing
- Children are educated about safety and empowered to protect themselves
- Communities actively participate in keeping children safe
- Missing children cases remain active and visible until answers are found
- Prevention strategies are taught in every school and home
Our Values
HOPE
We believe in the power of hope—even in the darkest moments. We never give up searching, never stop supporting, and never lose faith that answers can be found.
COMPASSION
We meet families with empathy, understanding, and unconditional support. We know this journey intimately, and we walk beside every family with kindness and care.
ACTION
We don’t just talk about change—we create it. From organizing searches to developing safety curricula, we take concrete steps to support families and protect children.
COMMUNITY
No one should face this alone. We build networks of support, coordinate community efforts, and bring people together to create lasting impact.
INTEGRITY
We honor Bethany’s memory and every missing child by operating with transparency, honesty, and unwavering commitment to our mission.
EDUCATION
Knowledge saves lives. We equip families and communities with the information and tools they need to prevent tragedies and respond effectively when children go missing.
How We Serve
FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES
Direct assistance, guidance, and emotional support for families of missing children. From navigating law enforcement processes to coordinating search efforts, we provide the help families need most.
CHILD SAFETY EDUCATION
Workshops, school programs, and educational resources teaching families and communities how to keep children safe. Prevention through education is at the heart of our work.
COMMUNITY SEARCH COORDINATION
Organizing and facilitating community search efforts, volunteer coordination, and public engagement for missing children cases.
PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS
Keeping missing children cases active and visible through media outreach, social campaigns, and community events like our annual Tennessee Missing Children’s Day.
CASE RESEARCH & DOCUMENTATION
Maintaining comprehensive records and conducting research to support ongoing investigations and advocate for families.
Bethany’s Story
In Honor of Bethany
Bethany Leanne Markowski went missing on March 4, 2001, at age 11. She was wearing a lime green shirt—a color that would come to symbolize our search for her. Bethany was feisty and full of life. She mixed glitter into her lip balm, had a Ricky Martin necklace, and loved picking buttercups with her mother. When we see butterflies now, we think of Bethany. When her mother passes a field of buttercups, she thinks about picking flowers with her daughter again someday. For nearly 25 years, Jonnie Carter has searched for answers while learning what families truly need when a child goes missing. Bethany’s disappearance changed our family forever, but it also ignited a passion to help other families facing this unimaginable journey. This foundation exists because of Bethany—to honor her memory by ensuring other families receive the support, resources, and hope they desperately need. We will never stop searching. We will never give up hope.
Join Our Mission
Every child matters. Every family deserves support. Every community deserves to be safe.
DONATE
Support our programs and services for families of missing children.
VOLUNTEER
Help us make a difference through events, education, and family support.
GET INVOLVED
Attend Tennessee Missing Children’s Day, participate in awareness campaigns, or bring our educational programs to your school or organization.
The Bethany Markowski Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
EIN: 41-2321010
Together, we can ensure no family faces the journey of a missing child alone.
Contact: team@findbethany.org