“Our daughter, Kate, was always known for her kindness toward others, as well as for including everyone, extending a helping hand, and offering encouragement to all she knew. I can think of no greater mission or way to honor her than to create a nonprofit business, kindness4kate.org, that will encourage us to become kinder, more compassionate individuals, in mind, body and spirit. It is my hope that this venture will also raise money for “Kind Acts Touch Everyone” benches that will be given each year to selected schools. These “K.A.T.E.” benches will be our version of buddy/friendship benches….a place where children who are lonely or in need of a friend on the playground can go sit, so that another student can reach out an inclusive hand in kindness. Gosh, don’t we all wish we had such “benches” in our daily lives, a place where friendships are fostered, and a place where we are reminded that kindness matters and can make a difference? After all, that is what Kate was all about. So, Kate, I dedicate all of this to you … this is your immortality and my road toward hope.”
“Our 3rd K.A.T.E. bench has been delivered to Northstar Academy in Richmond Va. This bench was given by several generous members of the Northstar Academy Board of Directors. Northstar Academy is a unique and highly successful non-profit school serving children in grades K-12. They promote educational excellence and career opportunities for students with academic, physical and social challenges. Each month the school emphasizes a particular virtue and the month that this bench was delivered was “compassion” month. I can think of no greater trait to encourage. Neither Bill, Thurston, nor I could have ever gotten to this point without the kindness that comes from the compassion of so many. Our deepest thanks to each of you for walking with us on this journey toward hope. xoxoxoxo eliz”
https://kindness4kate.org/pages/kate-benches