Boys Hope Girls Hope of Kansas City offers HOPE to academically capable and motivated boys in need. They are given life-changing academic opportunities, a safe family-like home Winter 2016 in which to live, and nurturing to Newsletter reach their full potential.

From Boys Hope Girls Hope of Kansas City

10 Years of HOPE!

2016 has been full of new adventures, hard work, fun and As we celebrate 10 years, we are so thankful that you have laughter, challenges and new opportunities for the BHGH been a part of the “village” of friends who have supported of KC scholars and family. Most of all, it’s been a year full of the mission of BHGH of KC and our scholars. hope and reflection as we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the BHGH of KC residence being open to the bright boys On September 9th, BHGH of KC hosted a special 10th and young men we call our scholars. Anniversary thank you event for partners and major contributors at Sporting Kansas City’s Three Points Because of supporters like you, BHGH of KC offers a new Club. This event also served as the annual Scholar environment and an amazing home where gifted and Recommitment Ceremony, where each scholar gave committed scholars come to live, and either find or nourish a speech which outlined his personal commitment to this phenomenon we call hope. They come from different working hard to achieve his goals, and his special thanks backgrounds and varied circumstances, but they come with to the BHGH of KC family for supporting him. one thing in common: they want an opportunity for the brightest future they can dream of. Whether you started this journey with BHGH of KC in the early 2000’s, came alongside us when the house The dedicated BHGH of KC team and our volunteers provide opened in 2006, or joined the family since, we extend the day-to-day support as mentors and positive role models our thanks to all who have helped to support BHGH who are so crucial to each scholar’s development. There is no of KC for the past ten years—our community partners, substitute for the encouragement and hope that comes from volunteers, contributors and Kansas City community. talking and building relationships with respected adults. THANK YOU for giving HOPE!!

Your Monthly Gift Makes A Big Difference!

Hope springs eternal for the scholars Your monthly gift can help BHGH of KC keep its promise to be there 24/7/365 for our scholars. The unique of BHGH of KC. It is with gratitude BHGH of KC model exists to serve a small number of bright, capable children in a comprehensive way, over an and confidence in their bright futures extended period of years. A boy can remain in the program from age 10 through college graduation. It takes the support of many who understand and appreciate that a nurturing home environment is critical to a child’s success. that we share stories of fellowship, achievement and good things to come. It’s easy to set up a monthly recurring gift at bhghkc.org! Thank You 2016 Circle of Hope Benefit Breakfast Supporters!

Thank you to the following sponsors and table hosts for your support of this year’s Circle of Hope Benefit Breakfast on November 15! See photos and captions for the highlights from our most inspirational morning of the year! Keynote Speaker Darol Rodrock, President BHGH of KC’s former President and longtime of Rodrock Development shared his story supporter Russ Koca with current President of the of hope and how faith and education Board, Dan Hogan of Lockton Companies SPONSORS changed the course of his life

PARTNERS

Tom and Molly Freeman David and Barbara Tonnies Drs. Brian and Jennifer Weiford

FRIENDS

Left to Right: Scholars Ahmad Louis, Ja Robertson, J’Ron Collins, Danielson Ike, Executive Director Kimberly Hines, Darol Rodrock, Scholar Darius Washington and Sevin Robertson, Collegian Cecil Keyes and Program Director Amos Johnson III

John and Susan Crowe Paul Damon Richard and Lauren English Kevin and Connie Fahey Cecil and Mel Mallin, who Cecil thanked Jim and Becky Graham for changing his life, posed for a photo with Mel’s Founder’s Circle plaque

TABLE HOSTS Collegian Cecil Keyes gave his insights on BHGH of Jeanie Brewster KC’s impact and introduced mentor and friend Mel Marianne Damon Mallin as the newest Founder’s Circle Honoree Colliers International Construction & Planning Services Ferguson Smith Cohen Group at Morgan Stanley Matthew and Meryn Goehausen Bernadette Miller and Family Morgan Stanley | Jeff Angold Shelley O’Brien Al and Anne Simmons Mr. Rodrock surprises the audience by Sporting Kansas City introducing his elementary teacher Charlotte Teuscher who he credits with helping him Wagstaff & Cartmell | Chris Schnieders find faith and know his value Winbury Group The Rockhurst High School Choral Ensemble SPECIAL THANKS performed under the direction of Sam Anderson

Scott Fiss Greg Harkness Indian Hills Country Club Rockhurst High School Music Dept. Danielle Reid Darol Rodrock and Team Trader Joe’s Lauren English Jerry Riffel, Photographer BHGH of KC’s Kimberly Hines presents a plaque of special recognition to retiring Centerpieces were beautifully designed by Lauren BHGH International CEO Paul Minorini English with flowers donated by Trader Joe’s

2 Boys Hope Girls Hope of Kansas City Journal of HOPE | Winter 2016

Service in Action

Our scholars are passionate about all sorts of causes, community needs and being champions of social justice. Here are a few of the organizations the BHGH of KC family served this year. Along with vol- unteering for these organizations and other projects for individual families in need, the scholars partici- pate in service leadership and reflection activities.

Episcopal Community Meals: Served a meal and offered hospitality at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Scholars and friends following an inspirational message in the press room with Darol Rodrock and Royals Dayton Moore at “C” You at the “K” at . Mommas on a Mission: Attended a charity walk and rally to support families who lost someone to MISSION homicide in Kansas City. Boys Hope Girls Hope helps academically capable and motivated boys in need to meet their full potential and become men for others by providing a value- The Single Mom KC: Served at a luncheon to celebrate and support local single mothers. centered, family-like home, opportunities and education through college. Mosaic Bible Fellowship: Helped set up equipment, activities and games for Piano Park More 2016 Highlights! Community Outreach. No Joey Foundation Back to School Event: Acted as ambassadors of BHGH of KC, engaging APRIL: The 16th was National Day of Service for the Boys Hope Girls Hope network. BHGH of KC scholars, with the community, parents and their children. team and dedicated friends and volunteers went out to serve a family in need in Kansas City. We shared some coffee with an elderly couple battling sickness and helped them with some much-needed lawn maintenance. Legacy Foundation: Volunteered for the “We We were referred to this family by our community partner Mosaic Bible Fellowship. The scholars recognized Can’t Wait to get Fit” event, in partnership with the that only months before, the family had served at the BHGH of KC residence. It’s a beautiful thing to be able Kansas City, Missouri Police Department and our to give reciprocally in compassion and service. own Residential Counselor Jonathan Smith.

MAY: BHGH of KC, along with Supporting Kids Foundation, hosted Run for the Roses, a Kentucky Derby watch party at Westport Ale House to raise funds. More than 225 people came decked out in their brightest clothes and biggest hats to buy raffle tickets and place bets on their favorite horses. The beautiful weather and fun music made for a perfect day, and over $15,000 was raised for the two charities!

SUMMER: Because BHGH is a year round program, scholars, and some collegians, stay at the BHGH house all summer, focusing on continuing their education, participating in summer sports, and attending summer enrichment activities. Sophomore, Junior and Senior scholars held jobs at Blue Valley Sports Complex, The BHGH of KC service team during the 2016 Inspire Landscape, Minsky’s, Papa Johns and Trader Joe’s. National Day of Service

JUNE: BHGH of KC hosted the Golf Fore Hope Tournament, this year at Deer Creek Country Club. Over a hundred players came out for some friendly competition and to support BHGH of KC. Together, all the golfers raised nearly $45,000.

JULY: TheWashington, D.C. Experience was July 17-22 (See next page for the story!)

AUGUST: BHGH of KC was invited to attend “C” You at the “K”, an unforgettable evening at Kauffman Stadium as guests of the “C” You in the Major Leagues Foundation. The scholars attended batting practice, took photos with and got autographs from Royals Manager Ned Yost, heard inspirational talks from Royals Scholars and team members following Health & General Manager Dayton Moore and Darol Rodrock, then enjoyed a delicious dinner followed by the game. Wellness life skills session with Registered Dietician and Each scholar received an autographed copy of “More Than A Season” by Dayton Moore. author Joan O’Keefe, CEO & Founder of CardioTabs

EVERY OTHER MONTH: The scholars have enjoyed hosting outreach events this year at the BHGH of KC residence. Pizza and Poetry Night in February celebrated famous African-American poets and writers, as well as some of their own original work! Pizza and Karaoke Night in April and the Pizza and Game Night SAVE THE DATE in June were great opportunities for friends of BHGH of KC to spend time at the house, engage with the for scholars, and introduce new people to the BHGH of KC mission and program. Cookies and Caroling in early December brought a whole host of friends, including a volunteer group from Lockton Companies, to the Trivia Night 2017 house for a festive night of “decking the halls” and singing Christmas tunes together. A couple of the scholars are very talented singers! March 3

3 Washington, D.C. Experience

July 2016 was an exciting month! For some scholars, it was a first time on an airplane and for most, the first trip across the country to Washington, D.C. The trip was made possible through a unique program of the Jewish Federation called Leadership Tomorrow. Longtime BHGH of KC supporter Irv Robinson is the creative genius behind Leadership Tomorrow. Each summer, Jewish college students are selected to take part as mentees of matched Jewish business leaders, interns at local nonprofits, participants in leadership training and grant research teams.

BHGH of KC was a 2015 recipient of a $5,000 grant, written and presented by Leadership Tomorrow interns to the program’s business mentors, who then fund the most promising ideas and proposals from teams of interns through the Robinson Family Foundation. That summer, Rachel Beren, Ellie Rao and Jared Wright joined forces to come research what BHGH of KC is about and what types of projects would be meaningful to our mission and scholars.

They noted that in the Jewish tradition, teens travel to Israel as an important part of solidifying their identity and for broadening their perspectives about the world. They wanted BHGH of KC scholars to have an experience where they could experience learning outside the classroom and see places that would help expand their views about what it means to be African-American.

After exploring different cities, the interns decided Washington, D.C., with its wide array of cultural destinations would be the best fit. The Leadership Tomorrow mentors thought so, too! BHGH of KC team members developed a full curriculum of activities surrounding the trip, include pre-trip and post-trip essays, reading of “The Dream: Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Speech that Inspired a Nation” and research projects, including colleges in the D.C. area they would visit.

Nearly a year after being awarded the grant, the BHGH of KC team and scholars left Kansas City on July 17. BHGH of KC’s Board of Directors and several donors generously contributed their Southwest and Delta Airlines flight miles for the trip. Arriving at different times, the group met up in the airport and rented two vans for a short trip to the Boys Hope Girls Hope homes in Baltimore, Maryland, where we ate dinner with the Baltimore scholars at the boys’ house, then took the short walk to see the girls’ house, built by Extreme Makeover! Also in Baltimore, the scholars visited the Great Blacks in Wax Museum.

Once in Washington, D.C., other destinations included the United States Capitol, a night visit to Pennsylvania Avenue outside the White House, the United States Holocaust Museum, Madame Tussaud’s, the International Spy Museum & Operation Spy and Ben’s Chili Bowl. On the tour to the National Mall and Tidal Basin, scholars visited the Washington Monument, the National World War II Memoral and Reflecting Pool, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. They also saw the exterior of the newly built Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture. During free time, scholars were encouraged to visit the many other Smithsonian Museums.

With scheduled tours at Howard University and Georgetown University, scholars gained insight into what these great schools require for admission, as well as the a better understanding of the culture on their campuses. They also had lunch on the campus of George Washington University. Members of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity met with scholars on Howard’s campus to answer questions and inspire them in their college pursuits, and a college admissions expert joined for dinner one evening.

The team would like to especially thank our Residential Counselor Jonathan Smith for researching and planning such a full itinerary of activites. The scholars learned valuable lessons about how to navigate transportation in a big city, using the subway, bus system and even hailing a taxi! The group returned to Kansas City on July 22.

Thank you Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City, Leadership Tomorrow and the Robinson Family Foundation for this incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience for our scholars!

Anticipating New Scholars for 2017! BHGH of KC’s Recruitment Team has been contacing organizations, making pitches and reconnecting with referral sources to fill its current scholarship openings. With a few scholars in the application process, we are excited about the possibility of a few new young scholars to join the program and to begin their journey to college and beyond.

4 BoysBoys Hope Hope Girls Girls Hope Hope of Kansasof Kansas City City Journal Journal of HOPEof HOPE | Winter | Fall 2013 2016

With Gratitude BHGH of KC Thank you to the following companies, organizations and individuals who came alongside BHGH of KC and contributed Board of Directors or pledged $250 or more from December 15, 2015 to December 15, 2016: Dan Hogan, President Accounting & Advisory Services, P.A. Garney Construction Robert and Linda Northrip Lockton Companies Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Agnello Gautreaux Family Foundation Shelley O’Brien Kevin Allan Adam and Melissa Geffert Rita Oltjen Melissa Hendricks, Secretary Joseph and Elizabeth Allen James and Christine Glenski Oppenstein Brothers Foundation Cerner Hassan Al-Rubaie** Global Prairie Nicholas Palmer Amy Aldrich Matthew and Meryn Goehausen Elizabeth Patterson Paul Damon, Treasurer Mark Arensberg Michael and Amy Goostree Paul Black Running Club Lockton Companies Francisco Arevalos Graham Family Fund / Jim and Becky Alison Paullin Frank and Celeste Armanees Graham Polsinelli Rasool Ahmed ARVEST Bank Douglas and Judith Hall Precise Selling ICG Global Mr. and Mrs. Tahir Atwater Michael D. Haines Vicki M. Price Thomas and Carol Barnett Matthew Hartigan Proverbs 9:9 Fund / Kirk Kaiser Hassan Al-Rubaie Robert C. Behner Kyle and Natalie Hartman QTS Mid-America Regional Council Richard and Regina Bernasek Mr. and Mrs. Kelvin Haynes, Jr. Maureen Rasmussen Dr. and Mrs. Mitch Blacker Melissa and Tim Hendricks Gregory and Caroline Reintjes Bob Behner Block Real Estate Services, LLC Patricia Hersma Mark Reintjes Mohajir Energy Advisors Thomas and Judy Boeding Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Hilgers Patrick Respeliers Bradley Boers Kimberly and Reggie Hines Michele Ritchey Jeanie Brewster John A. Bonino and Rebekah D. Coenen Dan and Lesley Hogan Allen Roberson Robert and Stacey Bowman Robin Hudson James Roberson Marianne Damon Kathy and Rick Boxx Husch Blackwell LLP Rockhurst High School* ReMax Realty John and Candy Brown John and Rachel Hutson** Rockhurst Jesuits Mike Ismert Bonnie and Terry Ruder Scott and Hannelore Brown Daniel Dooley Wondrous Burns John and Julie Jasumback Ryan Specialty Group, LLC Polsinelli “C” You In The Major League Foundation Jim and Krisann Miller Charitable Fund Brenda and Phillip Sanders / Dayton and Marianne Moore Jackson National Life Insurance Company Sarli Family Foundation Matt Goehausen CBE Group JMW & Associates, LLC Mary Schaefer Optiv Security Daniel Callahan Karin Jones Dr. Allan Schmidt Kay and John Callison Brian Kagarice Scott Schoenfeld Chris Campbell** Rich and Nancy Kaiser-Caplan Select Brands Gregory Harkness Chuck Campbell Kansas City Building Supply The Sherman Family Foundation Rockhurst High School Mr. and Mrs. Scott F. Campbell Betsy and Lance Keilers Anne and Al Simmons Cerner Corporation Steven and Amy Kletzien Grover Simpson Jake Reid Thomas Charles David and Jan Knopke Sioux Chief Manufacturing Company Sporting Kansas City Monte Clark Kerry and Lynn Knott Allen and Joy Skeens Chad Clement Russ and Traci Koca Sporting Kansas City Christopher Schnieders Kenneth Cohen Drs. Maria Kunstadter and Mike Sigler / Rob Sprague Wagstaff & Cartmell Colliers International The Smile Salon** Spring Venture Group Timothy Collins Lathrop & Gage LLP Sprint Foundation Brian Weiford, MD Michael A. Comiskey Leadership Tomorrow** St. Thomas More School* Mid-America Cardiology Commerce Bank Lutheran High School of Kansas City* Susan Stanton Construction Planning Services Mark and Madeline Ledom Steve and Mary Steeby David Youngstrom Robert and Laura Cotter Matt Ledom John J. Sullivan, Jr. Foundation UMB Country Club Bank Josh Leykam Summit Bank of Kansas City Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Crowe Liberty Mutual Group The Promise of Learning Foundation Paul Minorini, CEO John and Susan Crowe Lies Family Thomas Fahey Family Foundation Boys Hope Girls Hope Intl. CTL Consulting Little Flower Foundation Jamie Thaemert Curry Family Foundation Lockton Companies Charles Thomas Kristin Ostby de Barillas, President Marianne Damon Richard and Debbie Lombardo Mrs. Jo Ann Tillotson Boys Hope Girls Hope Intl. Paul Damon Michael Looney Tonnies, Downey & Cohen Quinn Damon Brian Madden David and Barbara Tonnies Kimberly R Hines, Executive David and Barbara Dehaemers Howard and Vicky Mayer Mr. and Mrs. Tim Trabon Director Scott Deneve Mel Mallin Tramontina USA, Inc. Michael and Jane Doherty Katherine Martincich Amy and Ed Tranin Mr. and Mrs. David Domke Patrick McClain United Beverage Company* BHGH of KC Founder’s Daniel and Laura Dooley McCullough Family Foundation United Way of Greater Kansas City Circle William and Jeanne Downey Seamus McLaughlin Donor Choice Dunn Family Foundation McGownGordon Construction Jim Vosburgh Rev. Terrence A. Baum, SJ Raul Duran G. J. Meiners Vosburgh Exploration, LLC Michael J. Callahan L. Thomas Duvall Patrick Meyers Wagstaff & Cartmell / Marianne Damon Timothy and Diane Dwyer Mid-America Cardiology Christopher Schnieders Rev. Don Farnan, SJ Regina, Eric, and Cameron Dykes at Kansas University Jay Waldenmeyer David Knopke Robert Eckart Mid-America Regional Council Stephen Waller Don Knopke Electrical Associates / Pat Shelley** Employees** Drs. Brian and Jennifer Weiford Mel Mallin William and Deborah Endres Bernadette Miller Eric Werly The McGilley Family Lauren and Richard English John and Jacelyn Miller Matt Wild James McGilley Mr. and Mrs. John J. Erkmann Robert and Carol Miller William G. McGowan Charitable Fund Mark McGilley Euronet Worldwide, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Miller Winbury Operating, LLC Richard W. Miller Mark Euston Morgan Stanley / Harrison Hill Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Wolff Rev. Thomas A. Pesci, SJ Kevin and Connie Fahey Morgan Stanley / Jeff Angold Alan Yancey Jerome Reardon Mr. and Mrs. Mark Fallon Mosaic Bible Fellowship David Youngstrom Jennifer Scanlon-Smith Randall and Rochelle Fears Gregoryn and Victoria Muehlebach Robert and Catherine Zahner Gino Serra Kermit and Maryellen Fendler Kristie Murphy Kyle R. Zeller Tim Trabon Scott Ferguson Jake Murray Zurich Insurance Mark Thompson Scott Fiss Ben Musfeldt *Educational Partnerships Jay Waldenmeyer Tom and Molly Freeman National Christian Foundation Heartland **All or a portion of this gift is in-kind

Nathan Frommelt Lara Neenan We regret any omissions or errors due to printing deadlines Mark Galus Barbara Nichols and recently migrated our database, so please inform us if you see a discrepancy or omission. Thank you! 5 Feed Hope with a 2017 Commitment to our Meals Program

When you donate meals or groceries, you aren’t just feeding a group of young scholars; you are sustaining them and giving them the fuel it takes to achieve in the classroom, on the field and in life. This is a wonderful way to help our scholars feel embraced by their community and for you to make a huge difference in their lives. Our goal is to have a meal provided Monday–Thursday evenings, or opportunities for scholars to practice etiquette and have new experiences by eating at local restaurants. The BHGH of KC food budget is around $20,000 per year! Those who provide meals help offset this cost considerably.

Thanks to our many Meal Parents, Grocery Partners and Restaurants for Hope for meals in 2016!

KANSAS CITY YOUNG MATRONS

Scholars and team members share family meal time daily with healthy foods, which is a very important component of healthy child development. Some meals are donated by our Meal Parents, Grocery Partners and Restaurants for Hope.

7700 Wedd Street, Suite 15 Overland Park, KS 66204 913.381.1030 | bhghkc.org

As you plan your year-end giving, please consider a gift of any We’re updating amount to Boys Hope Girls Hope bhghkc.org! and help transform the lives of Stay tuned for a new more young leaders of tomorrow. beautiful, informative and user-friendly BHGH of KC website coming soon in 2017!

“In my demographic alone, an African American male, the consequences of the lack of education are astonishing. Among those who don’t complete high school, 68 percent will be imprisoned by age 34. With a high school diploma, that rate falls to 21 percent; with a college degree, to 6 percent. I want to extend my gratitude and thanks to all of you for giving so many young men the opportunity to break out of this vicious cycle and achieve more than what their circumstances would have allowed.” —Collegian Cecil Keyes

Please give to help boys and young men reach their full potential!