Karpus Family Foundation

06/24/2026

The Karpus Family Foundation Board recently had the privilege of visiting Edwins Leadership & Restaurant Institute in Cleveland, Ohio. Joining the visit were President George Karpus and Directors Rodd Riesenberger, Don Haehl, and Bruce Perry, and we left inspired—not just by an incredible meal, but by an extraordinary vision for transforming lives and strengthening an entire community.

Founder, President & CEO Brandon Chrostowski shared the story behind the name EDWINS. While Edwin is Brandon’s middle name, it also stands for “Education Wins.” Those two words perfectly capture the organization’s mission: education creates opportunity, opportunity restores dignity, and dignity changes lives.

What Brandon has built extends far beyond an award-winning restaurant. EDWINS is a tuition-free culinary and hospitality institute that gives formerly incarcerated men and women a true second chance through professional training, housing, counseling, childcare, mentorship, and life skills. The results are remarkable, with a 95% job placement rate and an impressive 1.4% recidivism rate, demonstrating that investing in people produces lasting change.

Equally inspiring is Brandon’s commitment to the surrounding neighborhood. We toured the beautiful community garden, children’s playground, basketball courts, and other spaces that have been created to serve local families and provide a safe, welcoming place for the community to gather. His vision isn’t simply about helping individuals—it is about revitalizing an entire neighborhood and creating hope for generations to come.

The evening concluded with an outstanding dinner prepared and served by EDWINS students. Every course reflected not only exceptional culinary talent, but also the pride, confidence, and professionalism that come from being given a genuine opportunity to succeed.

At the Karpus Family Foundation, we seek organizations that create measurable, long-term impact. EDWINS exemplifies our philosophy of providing a hand up, not a handout. Their work restores lives, strengthens families, and builds healthier communities through education, accountability, and opportunity.

A sincere thank you to Brandon Chrostowski, and the entire EDWINS team for your gracious hospitality and for allowing us to witness your incredible mission firsthand. We are honored to support an organization that truly proves Education Wins.

06/24/2026

Today, Karpus Family Foundation President George Karpus and Directors Rodd Riesenberger, Don Haehl, and Bruce Perry had the privilege of visiting Friendship Circle Cleveland, where we were warmly welcomed by Rabbi Yossi Marozov, and Development Director Eli Shomer.

Our visit provided an opportunity to see firsthand the extraordinary impact Friendship Circle has on children, teens, adults, and families throughout the Cleveland community. Through innovative programming, meaningful relationships, and unwavering compassion, they create an environment where individuals of all abilities are valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

This summer alone, Friendship Circle is serving more than 120 children through its camp programs, bringing joy, friendship, and life-changing experiences to so many families. Witnessing the smiles on the children’s faces and learning about the organization’s mission reminded us that some of the most meaningful investments we can make are those that strengthen people and communities.

At the Karpus Family Foundation, we believe that strong communities are built when every individual has the opportunity to participate, contribute, and belong. Supporting organizations that foster opportunity, dignity, and meaningful connections aligns with our commitment to investing in programs that create lasting, measurable impact.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Rabbi Yossi, Eli, and the entire Friendship Circle team for their warm hospitality and for sharing the remarkable work they do each day. We left inspired by their dedication and grateful for the opportunity to learn more about an organization that is changing lives one friendship at a time.

05/31/2026

KFF Directors Joan and Rodd Riesenberger had the privilege of attending the The Potter's Hands Foundation ROC Dinner & Dessert Auction last night, and we left truly inspired.

The evening was emotional, powerful, and a reminder of the incredible work being done to help women who are survivors of trafficking, abuse, addiction, and severe trauma rebuild their lives.

One of the survivors, bravely shared her story in front of everyone attending. Her courage, strength, and honesty moved the entire room and put a very real face on the importance of this mission.

What stood out most is that Potter’s Hands Foundation is doing far more than simply providing shelter. They are addressing the mental health, recovery, structure, accountability, and long-term healing these women need in order to survive, recover, and ultimately thrive as healthy and productive members of society.

This organization is truly saving lives.

Thank you to everyone at Potter’s Hands Foundation for an incredible evening and for the life-changing work you do every day. You should all be very proud.

https://www.thepottershandsfoundation.org/

Human Trafficking Safe House NY The Potter's Hands Foundation is dedicated to providing a safe, secure environment, in which survivors of s*x trafficking and s*xual exploitation receive mental health counseling while being nurtured in physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. They are equipped wit...

05/24/2026

KFF is a proud supporter of Stay In Step for many years and we will be celebrating this milestone with you.

🇺🇸🔥 THE COUNTDOWN CONTINUES! 🔥🇺🇸

We’re just 4 months away from Stay In Step’s 11th Annual Gala an unforgettable evening celebrating recovery, resilience, and 250 years of American strength. 💛✨

This year’s Red, White & Blue theme will bring together an incredible community of supporters, leaders, veterans, and families for a night filled with purpose and impact. 🇺🇸

🎤 Guest Speaker: General (Ret.) Raymond A. “Tony” Thomas III

📍 Hilton Tampa Downtown

📅 September 12, 2026

The momentum is building, and we can’t wait to celebrate with the Stay In Step Family. This is more than a gala, it’s a mission. 💪🥂

Click here for Tickets and Sponsorships.

https://onecau.se/_fmy281

🇺🇸✨

04/08/2026

The project at the Lollypop Farm and humane society is progressing nicely!

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03/11/2026

Exciting progress is happening at Lollypop Farm! 🐾

Construction of the Karpus Family Foundation Learning Center at Lollypop Farm is moving along beautifully, and we’re thrilled to see this important project taking shape.

This new learning center will help expand humane education programs, bringing students, families, and community members together to learn about compassion, responsible pet ownership, and the importance of caring for animals.

The Karpus Family Foundation is proud to support organizations that strengthen our communities and promote kindness—both to people and to animals.

We can’t wait to see the finished center and the positive impact it will have for years to come.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.