Kathy’s Kids Foundation

06/12/2026

Hello everyone!

We have a little project we think Kathy would have loved.

We’re putting together a video to celebrate Kathy and the countless lives she touched over the years. Now comes the fun part—we need your help!

Did Kathy make you laugh? Give you great advice? Cheer you on when you needed it most? Have a favorite story or memory? We want to hear it! No story is too small. Sometimes the moments that seem ordinary are the ones that mean the most.

Send us a short video or written story sharing how Kathy impacted your life. Big memories, small memories, funny memories—we’ll take them all.

People always tell us the same thing: Kathy had a way of making you feel important. Help us show just how many lives she touched by sharing your story.

Please send submissions to [email protected] by June 30th.

We’ll combine everyone’s stories into a special tribute video that will be shared on our social media at a later date.

Thank you for helping us honor Kathy’s legacy. As Kathy always seemed to do, let’s make someone feel important today by sharing the impact she had on our lives. 💜

05/26/2026

What started as a way to get out of the house and make crafts quickly became something much bigger. In 2015, Kathy began cleaning up the space and making it her own, officially opening Holten Street Creative Spaces in 2016.

Over the years, the shop became more than just a place to sell crafts — it became a place for community. People from all walks of life rented spaces there to share their creations: young, old, disabled, and everyone in between.

She along with her sisters offered classes and created opportunities for people to get out, connect, and meet others. Some of her former students even volunteered there, learning important money management and people skills along the way.

It’s always been about more than crafts — it’s been about inclusion, creativity, friendship, and giving people a place where they feel welcome. And it’s stayed open for 9 years changing all the time, but keeping the main objective Love & Inclusion. In no way was Kathy and the store perfect, but she learned along the way and had fun doing it.

05/22/2026

Kathy’s Kids Foundation had the honor of attending the Grateful Friends luncheon. Their mission of supporting everyone with cancer through financial assistance and everyday support is one that is especially close to our hearts.

When my sister Kathy was first diagnosed, Grateful Friends gifted her a basket during such a difficult and overwhelming time. It was a simple act of kindness that meant so much to her and our family.

Hearing more about the incredible work they do and seeing the impact they continue to make was truly inspiring. We are grateful to support an organization that was so dear to Kathy and that continues to bring comfort to others facing cancer.

Thank you, Grateful Friends, for the compassion and care you give every day. 💜

05/20/2026

Kathy was a firm believer in NEC so a little help goes alone way! Will you help?

  Support our schools through Amazon wish-lists! In an effort to bring small, high-impact items into our classrooms, our six schools have created wish lists that enhance learning, build independence, and are sure to make students smile. Organized by Friends of NEC—the nonprofit fundraising arm of...

05/19/2026

Taken 3 years ago in the height of her cancer battle ❤️❤️❤️

05/15/2026

Foundation Friday 💜

Every decal, shirt, donation, and share helps us continue Kathy’s legacy of inclusion, compassion, and community. 🌸

Thank you for supporting and helping us make a difference for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Shop merch, donate, or learn more at
www.kathys-kids.org

Helping every child bloom 💜

05/13/2026

Tommy was such a special part of our lives 💜

My grandparents, Kathy, and my dad all worked at the group home, and through that Tommy became family to us. He’d come over to make pies, celebrate Christmas, and join parties because he loved sports and being around everyone.

One of my favorite memories was during one of my basketball games at the YMCA. The ref recognized Tommy and asked if he wanted to play because the other team didn’t have enough players. The whole gym cheered him on… and he scored a basket 🏀

He used to call me ‘Itabes’ because he couldn’t say Elizabeth… and always called me his girlfriend

They all taught me from a young age that inclusion is key 💜

05/11/2026

Photography was more than a hobby for Kathy — it was her escape, her way of finding light and sharing it with the world through every photo she captured.

Let light shine through even the smallest moments.

05/08/2026

If you knew Kathy, you knew two of her favorite things were family and a good party… so this weekend, we did both 💜

To celebrate the Kentucky Derby, we hosted a small family gathering to support Kathy’s Kids. We put together Derby squares (similar to football squares), enjoyed amazing food, spent time together, and made memories Kathy would have loved.

A huge thank you to Jamie and Peter, our two winners, who generously donated their winnings right back to the foundation! Because of everyone’s support, we raised $650 for Kathy’s Kids 🌸

One of the highlights of the night was having a converted fire truck pizza oven onsite making fresh pizzas for everyone — such a fun and unique touch!

Thank you to everyone who came, supported, donated, laughed, ate pizza, and helped us continue Kathy’s legacy of connection, community, and helping every child bloom 💜
3rd Alarm Wood Fired Pizza

05/05/2026

Cheers! I can imagine Kathy somewhere in Heaven with a margarita and a good Jimmy Buffett tune 🍹🎶