$15,000 awarded to six local youth sports programs
In its second year, the Dave Kitchell Giving Circle carries forward the legacy of its namesake, a longtime coach and teacher in the Ashland School District, who spent his career removing barriers so every student could take part in sports. The Giving Circle brings together community members who share that same commitment, pooling their resources with the earnings from the Dave Kitchell Endowment at ACHF to support youth sports programs in Ashland, Talent, and Phoenix. This year, members came together once again to review grant applications and select programs to receive support.
What’s new this year? The giving circle members established a Coaches’ Fund at both the Ashland and Phoenix-Talent School Districts. The fund, administered by the athletic directors, gives coaches a pool of resources to support student athlete needs, things like meals during away games, shoes, and uniforms for students who may be unable to afford them. All too often coaches cover these costs out of pocket. The resource means one less financial barrier standing between a student and participation in sports.
This year, the Giving Circle awarded a total of $15,000 to six local youth sports programs.
Congratulations to the following recipients:
Ashland Aerial Arts
Ashland School District Coaches’ Fund
Jr Grizzlies Basketball
Phoenix-Talent School District Coaches’ Fund
Phoenix-Talent Little League
Rogue Valley Youth Lacrosse
A celebration was held for giving circle members and grantees on October 15, where grant funds were presented and the Kitchell Family shared more about Dave’s impact.
The members invite those who value supporting student athletes and honoring the memory of Dave Kitchell to consider joining the Giving Circle. For more information, contact Boone Kizer at 541-482-0367 x3.
Group photo of the Kitchell Giving Circle members with grant awardees by Nick Alexander Film.
