At KT&F it is our joy and our civic duty to contribute to charities that seek to provide lifesaving or life-improving support to children and adults. Through our philanthropy, we put purpose into action, bringing healthcare, relief, nutrition, and other forms of assistance to those in need in our country and in our own backyard.
The ALS Association is dedicated solely to the fight against Amyotophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The Orange County chapter focuses primarily on helping local patients and families live with ALS by providing in-home evaluations of a patient’s current condition and offering practical ideas for sustaining their quality of life, how to navigate the process to obtain insurance and healthcare benefits, holding monthly support groups, maintaining a loan program of used and donated equipment and ongoing education of community healthcare professionals on issues of clinical management of ALS. Michael Trotter formerly sat on the Board of Directors.
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy results from gene mutations that lead to the absence of dystrophin in muscle cells. Without dystophin, a key structural protein, muscles become more susceptible to weakness and eventually the body is unable to keep up with repair leading to muscle loss that affects the skeletal muscles, heart and respiratory muscles. DMD affects approximately 1 out of every 3,500 male infants (about 20,000 a year) and by age 12, most patients are confined to a wheelchair. Currently there is no cure for DMD and patients rarely live beyond their early 30’s.CareDuchenneis recognized as the global leader in research, patient care and innovation for improving and extending the lives of those with Duchenne.
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is the world’s leading independent international medical relief organization, implementing and managing medical projects in close to 72 countries worldwide and as a worldwide movement of 25 associations, 24 sections, 17 offices, and 6 operational entities. The organization focuses on emergency medical and humanitarian relief guided by the principles of independence, neutrality, and impartiality in areas where no health or sanitary systems exist, or where health structures are overwhelmed by the needs of populations.
Food on Foot is dedicated to assisting the poor and homeless of Los Angeles by providing nutritious meals, clothing, work opportunities and ultimately, the transition to full time employment and life off the streets. This non-profit organization does not accept government funds and is organized and maintained through volunteers and the financial support of generous individuals and companies.
Since 1972, Long Beach Rescue Mission has opened its doors to thousands of men, women, and children. The Mission provides food, clothing, shelter, and spiritual guidance to the homeless and less fortunate people of the community.
Rising Above Disabilities is a non-profit organization that provides fun events and overnight camps for adults and children with developmental disabilities. These overnight camps offer one-on-one camper to counselor and is staffed with nurse practitioners and licensed registered nurses. The camp also allows the primary caregiver to have “time off.” There is no requirement or restriction regarding residency and participation and no camper is ever turned away due to an inability to pay. Michael Trotter currently sits on the Board of Directors.
For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has been feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, and changing the lives of countless men, women, and children in Southern California. The Salvation Army’s presence in Southern California dates back to 1887 when an open-air street meeting was held on the corner of Temple and Broadway in downtown Los Angeles. To this day, a plaque remains in the sidewalk to commemorate the event. The Southern California Division continues to celebrate its long and fruitful presence all over the Southland, by serving those most in need, and by hosting special events that share The Salvation Army’s rich history with the local community.
People living in poverty want a better life, but many lack opportunity. At S4S, we turn unwanted shoes and clothing into opportunity, by keeping them from going to waste and putting them to good use – providing relief, creating jobs, and empowering people to break the cycle of poverty.
91% of donations made to SupportAbility go toward Rewarding Courage! This 501c3 non-profit corporation awards scholarships to deserving high school seniors for their tremendous and extraordinary courage in overcoming obstacles such as a disability, loss of a parent, etc. Other programs include support groups, providing mentors and guest speakers and promoting community awareness.
The United Nations Childrens Fund addresses the long-term needs of children and women in 190 countries and territories by providing health care and immunizations, safe water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. UNICEF’s distinct purpose is to work with others to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease and discrimination places in a child’s path. UNICEF creates protective environments for children and is present during emergencies, and wherever children are threatened, because no child should be exposed to violence, abuse or exploitation.
KT&F has successfully participated in the Corporate Work Study Program at Verbum Dei since 2008. This program allows businesses to fill entry level positions with no overhead, and it provides students with the ability to earn a significant portion of the cost of their private, college-preparatory education, not to mention the opportunity to gain professional work experience. John Kelly currently sits on the Board of Directors.