A nonprofit rooted in family values and community care continues to grow its impact in Owensboro, with the Dannheiser Fund for Kids now preparing to serve more than 300 children this year.
Founder Jon Troutman said the organization was inspired by his own childhood, when his grandparents — the Dannheisers — made sure he and his siblings had what they needed to start the school year.
“We didn’t have a lot growing up, but our grandparents always made sure we had a pair of back-to-school shoes,” Troutman said. “That stuck with me.”
That memory resurfaced about a decade ago when Troutman learned of a local child who didn’t have shoes just weeks before school began.
“That kind of broke my heart,” he said. “A kid in Owensboro, right before school, didn’t even have shoes. I thought maybe there’s something we can do about this.”
Troutman and his family later launched the Dannheiser Fund for Kids, naming it in honor of his grandparents and their example of giving back.
Since then, the program has expanded rapidly. After serving six children during its first year — which coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic — the organization has steadily increased its reach, helping 242 children last year and aiming to exceed 300 this year.
“You can actually see the impact in these kids’ eyes,” Troutman said.
The program goes beyond providing shoes. Participants complete a four-week curriculum focused on emotional stability, confidence, physical fitness, and educational awareness.
“We wanted more than just handing out shoes,” Troutman said. “We wanted to give them something educational they can take into their future.”
As part of that effort, students have visited local colleges and interacted with representatives from institutions including Kentucky Wesleyan College, Brescia University, Owensboro Community and Technical College, and Western Kentucky University in Owensboro.
At the conclusion of the program, children are able to pick out a new pair of shoes ahead of the school year.
“We don’t put parameters on it,” Troutman said. “They pick out whatever makes them happy and comfortable for school.”
The organization operates entirely through volunteers, with all funds going directly toward shoes, supplies, and program materials.
“We don’t have a building. We don’t have staff,” Troutman said. “Everything we raise goes to the kids.”
To support its continued growth, the Dannheiser Fund for Kids is launching its annual fundraising campaign this week, with a goal of raising $2,500 that will be matched by its board.
In addition, the group is hosting its second annual “Cards for a Cause” charity card show on April 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cliff Hagan Boys & Girls Club, 3415 Buckland Square.
The event will feature more than 120 tables of sports and Pokémon cards, along with a 50-50 raffle and free items for children in attendance. Food vendors will also be on site, and admission is free.
Proceeds from table sales will benefit both the Dannheiser Fund for Kids and the Boys & Girls Club.
Troutman said community support will directly impact how many children the organization can serve.
“The amount of kids we help is directly tied to how much we raise,” he said. “We know we can help at least 300 kids this summer, but if we have a strong push, that number could grow even more.”
For Troutman, the mission remains focused on giving children confidence as they head into a new school year.
“We feel like this is a great way to make a difference,” he said. “Just like my grandparents did for us.”
The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Chamber has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for over a century.
Today, with nearly 1,000 members, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives and serves as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.
To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Kitty Jones, director of membership, at 270-926-1860 or kjones@owensboro.com.
By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times