Kicks4Kenya Blog

Kicks4Kenya shirts now on sale!

2010-09-01T06:45:00.001-07:00

Kicks4Kenya shirts are now on sale! Cost is $15 + $2 S&H. We have small, medium, and larges. If you are not happy with the fit of the shirt just let us know and we'll correct it. All orders are process through paypal and are 100% safe. Just click on the link on the right to place your order!

Cape Town penalty kick

2010-07-07T11:11:00.000-07:00

I am by no means a soccer player but this was by far the coolest moment of my World Cup experience thus far

One ball, all shapes and sizes.....

2010-06-24T11:57:00.000-07:00

I apologize for the delay in writing a blog as I have had a hard time getting the co mbination of inernet access and time off. I am writing this blog as Netherlands and Cameroon play about 30 feet away.....good stuff.

The last week has been very eventful both wih World Cup games but also traveling to different areas to see soccer games of all shapes and sizes. I met a volunteer, Brian Gamba, who does a lot work within the Cape Town area with local schools and teams and once he found out what we were doing he wanted to show me around. So Saturday my roomate Philip and I, along with Brian, went to a local game between some schools. It was great to see the kids getting along playing soccer. After that we went to a tournament they were having not far from us so we stopped by. I got to talk to the kids a bit about soccer and what its doing for them and that was really good to see that.

This weekend we are going into one of the worst townships in Cape Town to see some kids and some of the fields and equipment they are playing with and hopefully be able to help them out or set something up for them.

One a World Cup note things are really starting to take off! Im still trying to catch my breathe after Landon's 91st minute goal! Still cant believe what happened. A fellow volunteer and I met up with Ethan Zohn and his Grassroots Soccer crew to a restaurant to watch the game. Everyone was depressed until the Miracle on Grass. Unbelieavable! I really like our chances in the rest of the tournament and hopefully the US can get to the semi final because they would be playing in Cape Town!

I must leave for now and get back to work at the game but hopefully this gives everyone an idea of what I have been doing a bit. You can also follow on Twitter @Kicks4kenya for more frequent up to date posts. Thanks everyone and talk soon!

K4K out

Football Fever

2010-06-13T09:06:00.000-07:00

World Cup 2010 is officially underway and the country is going crazy! We had our first match at Cape Town on Friday night between France and Urugay. The atmosphere at the start of the game was beyond words. Closest thing I have ever experienced close to it was 2005 Capital One Bowl, and all Iowa fans will know why. It was absolutely incredible. Unfortunately the game itself was a bit of a dud as they drew to a 0-0 tie.

Every game the sponsors: Visa, Kia, Sony, and Adidas all bought tickets for underprivileged youth in Cape Town so they can take in the World Cup. Myself and my friend Marlena from Canda were put in charge of taking care of these kids. We brought them into the stadium, showed them their seats, and took care of them in general. It was an awesome experience. I wish pictures could show the look in these kids eyes as they saw the field and were in total awe. It was a good feeling knowing I was helping these kids enjoy this experience of a lifetime. The kids will never ever forget this and that was special. I will be doing this for each of the next 7 games at Cape Town and am very much looking forward to it.

Last night I went to the Cape Town waterfront to a watch party hosted by FIFA sponsor MTN. It was awesome to see the support of USA and England. Everyone had their colors on and a few people even dressed up as medieval knights....it was a good time. I would have liked to get a win out of the deal but consider how we scored our goal I will without a doubt take a tie. USA needs to figure out some offense though for their next match on the 18th and get 3 points. Another tie will not be sufficient and a loss will without a doubt knock us out of contention for the round of 16.

The rest of the games are pretty boring for the most part. Everyone is so afraid of losing their opening match that they are all quite dull. Hopefully things pick up tonight as Germany takes on Australia!

It has been so cool getting to know volunteers from all over the world. You learn so much getting together and talking to everyone because there are literally people from every part of the world. I have met some amazing people and already know I will mis them a ton when its time for us all to leave. I have made friends for life that is for sure.

Here are some pictures of the stadium, from the France vs. Uruguay game, and the USA watch party! Hope all is well with everyone!

Riding the FIFA roller coaster

2010-06-08T12:40:00.001-07:00

So this blog has been a few days in the works but I am just now getting to a computer. When I first applied for a job with FIFA I went for a hospitality position or administration. When I interviewed at the Washington DC embassy I was told I would be doing VIP hospitality. When I landed in Cape Town and came to the stadium I was told I had been moved to logistics. I also found out I was not the only one. I met 4 other volunteers that were promised positions and then moved to positions that had nothing to do with what they applied for, like logistics. Sunday I worked int he logistics department and was placed at a bomb checkpoint outside the stadium for 7 hours, not exactely what I signed up for. I talked to Virginia the volunteer coordinator and she very graciously understand the situation and had me moved immediately to her assistant. Needless to say at the time I was very frustrated.......

Fast forward to today, my first day as a volunteer manager. After seeing the total disorganization of the "organizing committee", and their total inability to pass forward important information to volunteers I decided to start a blog as an information post for all volunteers. I passed the idea on to the volunteer coordinator and she loved it. So now my job is to update the blog and I can basically go anywhere in the stadium I want. I went onto the pitch, in the locker rooms, laid on the bench, visited the VIP boxes (all pictures coming).

It is amazing the difference a couple days make where I go from upset and disappointed on day 1 and now I have a better job then before. Im very thankful.

The city of Cape Town has reached an absolute frenzy in the days leading up to the World Cup. Everyone is flying their flags and blowing there vuzuelas (sp?) I cant wait to get things underway, it truly will be an incredible experience.

I have met a ton of awesome volunteers from all over the world. We had a get together the other night and we had representatives from 6 continents and 23 countries. Quite the mixed bag of backrounds and personalities but it was so much fun. Everyone is getting along great and is always more then happy to help the others out. Its nice to have people fun to hang out with and enjoy the experience with. I will also get alot more tagged pictures on Facebook as well!

It has been a few days since my last blog becuase my laptop was not working but now things seem to be working fine so Im back up and running. Hope all is well with everyone and you are excited for the 2010 World Cup!

African life....

2010-06-05T07:12:00.000-07:00

Well I had an awesome post about my day yesterday but I grabbed the wrong wire to upload pictures so that will have to wait. Until then I will post some pictures I have taken in an around Cape Town. What a beautiful city....

Had a bit of a relaxing day today. Cleaned my room and got to know the family a bit more. Watched both the USA and South Africa friendlies today. I must say that it is going to be an interesting World Cup to say the least. I feel if the USA can get past England or at least a draw we have a good shot at getting to the round of 16, and then who knows. Call me crazy but I think the US could pull of some magic, crossing fingers. Everyone here is also not feeling to optimistic about South Africa's chances, but I also feel with all the excitement, and support surrounding this World Cup they can put a run together. I'm excited to get things underway!

As far as the controversy with the ball I was surprised at how many misplays there were during South Africa vs. Denmark due to a misjudgment in ball flight. Will be interesting to see how things play out during the actual matches. Adidas PR department might need to install a few more phone lines.....

I start work at the stadium tomorrow and will start to post a lot more once things take off. Remember to follow on twitter: www.twitter.com/Kicks4Kenya as I will be live updating from inside the stadium during all matches!

Thats all I really got for now so keep checking in and give me some updates from wherever your reading from.

K4K Out

World Cup Fever!

2010-06-02T11:13:00.001-07:00

As I have now settled into South African life I have gotten very busy getting ready for the 2010 World Cup. I have spent the last couple days at the stadium getting introduced to my co-workers, getting equipment, and just getting acquainted with the stadium.

My FIFA accredidation badge

VIP suite made especially for Mr. Mandela

Suite for the president of FIFA and other big shots

Me at field level

Green Point Stadium

I begin work on June 6th so am just kind of hanging out until then. Im going to back to the stadium tomorrow to just look around some more so I'll try to get some better pictures. Also planning on working with my first school early next week to deliver soccer balls. This country is absolutely World Cup crazy right now.....its beautiful to see and great to be here!

Hope all is well wherever you are reading this from!

K4K Out

Home Sweet home....

2010-05-31T09:35:00.000-07:00

Well I have made it to South Africa! And I must say that it is absolutely beautiful here. My host family is fantastic and the contact I met via Twitter was more then helpful today getting me my security card and work schedule, and even a nice buffalo chicken sandwhich.

Yesterday was a long day to say the least! 24 hours on planes but I finally made it here, unfortunately my bags did not. They are currently in Amsterdam enjoying the weather, they should be back tomorrow.

Walked around downtown Cape Town today that was interesting. Ill upload more pictures tomorrow.

Got my security clearance today and toured a bit of the stadium. I will be able to attend all matches in Cape Town so that is exciting! Cant believe the time is finally here.

Thanks for all the messages everyone and I will have a more thorough post tomorrow but just wanted to let everyone know I have made it safe and sound!

K4K Out

10 DAYS until Africa!

2010-05-19T21:21:00.000-07:00

Well guys its hard to believe Im saying this but I will be back in Africa in 10 short days. It has been 3 very long years since I have been there and I cannot explain how excited I am to get back! Doesn't seem like long ago that it was still months away for me to be heading to South Africa but the time is here now. The opportunity to not only work with area orphanges and schools but also for FIFA during the World Cup, I realize this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

During my trip I will be updated my blog daily (or so) with pictures, videos, interviews with people I meet, etc. Im going to try to have as much content from what Im doing as possible. I will have my phone on me so expect alot of tweets and pictures!

I want to thank everyone for their support up to this point and continued support for Kicks4Kenya's vision. Its been an amazing ride with no end in site!

K4K out

Big Ups to my old high school!

2010-04-09T11:47:00.000-07:00

I love reading stuff like this!!

This has nothing to do with Kicks4Kenya but when I read this I had to put something up about it. 16 Year old Keri Zimmerman of my old high school BHS, organized for 266 students and faculty to go without shoes for one whole day. Her efforts were a part of Tom's shoes "Lose your sole campaign." I was touched by the story and just had to put something out about it and get her some recognition! So go to Tom's shoes and buy a pair because for every pair you buy he gives one away to a child in need across the world, who says a dollar doesn't go anywhere these days?

BIG UPS Keri!!!

Equipment has landed!!!

2010-04-02T09:13:00.000-07:00

Hey guys sorry (again) for the delay in updating the blog....school is killing me right now! But anyway on a different and awesome note the equipment we sent to Meru has landed and is in use, well half of it anyway. The balls and cones are on the ground and here are the pictures to prove it!

I have alot of big news to update everyone on but that will be saved for a later date (but not too late) Thanks everyone for the support! Its awesome to see this people with good equipment to play with!

Paying it Forward Pt. 2

2010-02-12T11:58:00.000-08:00

Last week in the first part of our series we talked about Jared from Maryland and his efforts to raise money for Kicks4Kenya.

This week we are going to talk about Jake Heilbrun from San Diego California. Jake emailed me out of the blue and basically just said I want to raise money but your organization, I was thinking about doing it through my bar mitzvah, but really don't have any ideas. So after a few emails back in forth Jake came back to me and came up with the most amazing and creative idea, he said he was going to twist our name Kicks4Kenya into Coins4Kenya and get friends, family, teammates, etc to donate their spare change. I couldn't believe how simple, and awesome an idea it was! As if that was not enough Jake's rabbai promised to double all money raised by Jake! Awesome!

Here are some things Jake had to say about his experience:

How did you get the idea to raise coins?
I got the idea to raise coins because I thought that it wasn't asking too much of people and that if a lot of people contributed, I would raise a lot of money.

What were your friend's thoughts on what you were doing for children you have never met before?
My friends were impressed with what I was doing and supported me. They thought it was great helping kids across the world to have some of the resources we have. Also, we all love soccer and they knew that this would allow them to enjoy it as much as we all do.

Were your family and friends supportive?
My family and friends were very supportive. Many of them donated whether it was a few coins or 50 dollars. They told me how great what I was doing was and that they were really proud. My mom especially helped out the most by helping me count coins, driving me to collect the coins, and helping organize everything. Many of my friends came over and helped me count and collect the coins. Overall, everyone was really supportive.

How has sports effected your life that you wanted to pay it forward to children that are less fortunate?
Sports have taught me many things. Whenever I lose a match I am always disappointed, like many people. It's not the end of the world though. I think that I'm lucky to be playing in the first place in a safe environment with resources, unlike so many other people. Sports are also a great way to get connected with people. Sports connected me to kicks4kenya where I will be helping many kids and enriching their lives. Sports is a universal language that everyone can agree on and can bring peace.

What have you learned from the experience?
This experience has taught me many things. Being only 12-13, I realized your age doesn't matter when you're doing a project and are determined to accomplish your goals. I also learned that I am really making a difference to these kids and how important it is to give back to the community and world.

In total Jake raised enough money to send us 45 sets of brand new and amazing shoes and jerseys, along with cones and pumps to send to Meru, Kenya to start up a new soccer program. In December the first batch of supplies were sent over and can be read about here: HearKenya . They also sent us a check which is being used to refurbish a field so that more children are able to play the game that they love!

Jake I can truly say you are an amazing young man! We are so proud to have had the opportunity to work with you and wish you all the best in the future! It is amazing for me to see young people coming together to help out in something that was once just a small idea in my head. We can't say thank you enough!

Paying it forward Pt. 1

2010-02-04T13:13:00.000-08:00

For the next couple weeks we are going to be writing about some awesome young teens that did some amazing work to help Kicks4Kenya. These are amazing young people acted completely selfless to help out less fortunate children in Kenya.

The first person in our series is Jared Nozick.

Jared is an 8th grader at Robert Frost Middle School in Maryland. I was contacted last fall by Jared about him wanting to raise money for Kicks4Kenya through his upcoming bar mitzvah. I was impressed to say the least that at such a young age someone wanted to do something like that for kids he will probably never meet. Here is what Jared had to say about his efforts:

What lead you to want to do something like this?
I was lead into doing this because I loved soccer and I was fortunate enough to have equipment and I thought I was very lucky. I then realized some kids weren't as fortunate so I decided to try to find a soccer organization to donate to.

What did your friends think of you doing something for people you have never met?
My friends thought it was really cool I was doing something for others when they knew I loved soccer so much

What did you learn the most out of the experience?
I learned most that it feels really good to do something for someone else

What has sports meant to you that you wanted to return the favor to less fortunate children?
sports has meant so much to me because it gave me something do when I'm bored and something to have a passion for. when I play soccer it makes me really happy and throughout my journey I have made so many new friends. I love the gamee

Do you believe you will go to Africa one day?
I hope to go to africa one day but im really not sure

Thanks to Jared's efforts 25 balls and pumps were sent to Maru, Kenya for the beginning stages of a new soccer program at their local school. Also within the next few weeks his donations will help send 45 sets of soccer equipment over to fully equip two teams.

From all of us at Kicks4Kenya we cannot say thank you enough for all that you have done! Your an amazing person and I know that we are all proud and your parents are very proud! Keep up the great work and we know that great things are in store for you in the future!

K4K OUT

Early plans for 2010

2010-01-18T08:59:00.000-08:00

As 2009 was a record year for Kicks4Kenya and with that came growth to points I never thought we would reach. With that we are trying to develop new ways to be more productive and effective with the resources that we have. We want to make sure that as much of the money being donated is going towards soccer equipment and not things like shipping.

Our first step we are taking to our new goals is trying to set up a donation base so we have an idea of our operational budget each month. Obviously all donations are accepted and greatly appreciate, however we are asking if you are thinking of donating to Kicks4Kenya, to consider spreading that donation out to be given monthly. It will help us schedule our programs and activities and also with requests if we have an idea of how much money we will have coming in on a monthly basis. Right now we do not have an option up on the website for this but if you want to send me an email explaining what you want to do I will send you an invoice every month as a reminder. Thank for your understanding.

We are also working on partnering with sports equipment companies in Kenya so that your donations will not only give the children proper sports equipment, but also will help their economy.

I will update everyone more as we develop new ideas but this is what we are starting with for now. Once again thanks everyone for your generous support and allowing us to do what we love to do! Hope everyone has a great 2010!

K4K Out

2009 Down and onto a new year!

2010-01-12T12:10:00.000-08:00

Well I can honestly say that 2009 was a record breaking year for us. We started out as a very small organization that hardly nobody knew about to getting donations and emails from people across the world. We are so blessed to have such an amazing support system from all of you guys, you guys are amazing! Some highlights from the year:

-Donated 100 balls to an orphanage in Maisha to be distributed throughout the community
-Teamed up with the Peace Corps to start a soccer program in Meru
-Built 3 new partnerships including a partnership in kenya with a sports equipment company to more effectively collect and distribute goods
-Began paperwork to be a registered 501c3 non profit organization.

Thanks again for all your amazing support!

In the next week we will be posting interview with our two top fundraisers of 2009 along with pictures of the accomplishments! Stayed tuned!

Im excited for what is to come in 2010 and very humbled by all that has been achieved by everyone. Just a few years ago this organization was an idea on paper and now it is changing lives of children. Thank you thank you thank you!

I also must apologize in delays in emails back to people as I have started going back to school and have two jobs I have been pretty busy lately but I am trying my best!

remember to follow us on Twitter: @kicks4kenya

Good Hometown Write Up!

2009-12-02T08:03:00.001-08:00

Hey whats going on guys? Hope everyones Thanksgiving went well! Just wanted to drop in and post a good article that our hometown newspaper did about Kicks4Kenya on Sunday. A pretty good read I must say!

http://www.thehawkeye.com/Story/Kicks4Kenya-112909

Dont forget to follow us on twitter @Kicks4Kenya

K4K Out

Happy holidays from K4K!

2009-11-26T14:11:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone is having a great Thanksgiving with all your loved ones and enjoying some good food in the process! It is tradition in my family that everyone goes around the table and tells what they are thankful for, so I am going to continue that tradition here. I am thankful for all of you.

2 years ago I had an idea to take a few soccer balls with me to Kenya to give away to some kids. I had no long term goals in mind just wanted a few balls. Two years later I cannot believe what that idea has turned into and it is all because of your constant help and support! Nothing that we have done would have been possible without you guys, I mean that and can't say thank you enough! We love what we do and hope to continue doing it for a long time! Thanks again and happy holidays!

K4K Out

November already?

2009-11-13T07:11:00.000-08:00

Wow hard to believe November is already halfway over! Crazy how fast things are moving along. Anyways shirts will be on the website before Black Friday so be sure to check them out and support our Christmas program! Also we have 45 sets of brand new shoes and jerseys ready to go to Kenya thanks to an awesome teen from California (Interview and pictures coming soon). It will be shipped to a Peace Corps base in Meru Kenya for a new program they are working at starting up. Just wanted to give a quick update as to whats going on and hope all is well out there.

K4K Out

Follow us on Twitter! @Kicks4kenya

Whats new?

2009-10-28T07:15:00.000-07:00

Whats going on everybody? Seems like school and winter are now officially in full swing but I thought I would give everyone a quick update on the K4K happenings. Shirts should be on the website in the next couple of weeks just in time for the holiday season! Proceeds from the shirts are going to be going towards shipping equipment over to the Peace Corps based in Kenya for a soccer program they are up and running....huge opportunity for us to make a difference so please please please help us out and get a sweet shirt at the same time! I know you want to do it!

Also we have a couple cool cats doing some fundraisers to help get the equipment to send over to the peace corps so lets give some big ups to them! Thanks guys!

Also K4K is on Twitter and we only have 140 followers so if your on Twitter jump on that bandwagon! Our name is @Kicks4kenya

Thats all for now folks but keep in touch because things are going to be getting crazy soon and it will be an exciting ride!

K4K OUT

Long time no See

2009-10-02T09:17:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone hows it been going? Been forever since I have been on here and I apologize, school has me all sorts of busy! But its good to be back and things are still really moving along here. Just wanted to update and let everyone know of an awesome young man we have been working with who is hosting a Coins4Kenya event as a fund raiser for our new program! He got some good press and we want to share it with everyone! Big ups Jake and keep up the good work!

Coins4kenya

Dates are set!

2009-07-06T08:14:00.000-07:00

Well we officially have the details laid out for our trip this winter. The dates are going to be dec 18-jan 3rd! We are teaming up with maishia international orphanage in Nairobi to host a soccer tournament in the slums of the capital. After that we will be moving about 4 hours north to Nakuru to build a soccer field and community center with the Nakuru Baby Orphanage.

This will be by far the biggest project for k4k but we are very excited about it! We would love for you to join us in trying to make a difference for the young people of kenya! We will need your financial support for the logistics of shipping equipment over and rebuilding the soccer field. We also need everything from jereseys and balls to whistles and cones!

If you are involved with a club or high school soccer team or know of someone that is this is a great time to get involved. We would love for you to get involved with our Teams4Teams program or even just have an equipment drive and collect old equipment. We would love to get a lot of people involed with these projects!

If you have any questions don't hesitate to shoot me and email and I will respond as quickly as possible! Once again thank you for the support and looking forward to a productive summer!

K4K out!

A special date and a special project

2009-06-24T10:14:00.000-07:00

Hope this blog post finds everyone in good shape! Things have really been good for us lately....very busy. It was 3 years ago this month (don't remember the exact day) that the idea Kicks4Kenya was created. Hard to believe how far things have progressed in such a short amount of time....thank you so much for all your help!! None of it would be possible without your support!!

On that note we have a special project planned for our december 09 trip to Kenya. We are going to be teaming up with the nakuru baby orphanage that we stayed with on our last trip to build a community rec center in the nakuru city center! This complex will not only include a soccer field, but also basketball courts, playgrounds, and much more! This truly is a great opportunity to help an entire community of children!

Obviously the cost of this project will be substantial so we are starting our fundraisers now. We are working with coffeeXperts.com selling coffee to raise the money. Each 1 LB bag of coffee is only $12 and 2 LB bags are $24. So tell all your coffee drinking friends to order their coffee through this great company! This is an ongoing fundraiser as well....so if you run out go and order some more! drink some coffee and help make a difference! So go to our special link on their website and get your coffee today!

http://www.coffeexperts.com/kicks4kenya.aspx

Also our first set of t shirts will be on the website soon so keep an eye out for those. Thanks again for all your supprt and allowing us to do what we do!!

K4K out

New support opportunity coming up

2009-06-10T15:02:00.000-07:00

Thanks to our good friends at PacificTshirtCo we are going to have a new opportunity for our supporters to help us and our goal to raise moeny to renovate a soccer field in kenya!! As part of this great companies grand opening we are co-developing a special "charity" T-shirt with all the proceeds going to our project! This is a great opportunity to not only help two great organizations but also help change the lives of thousands of children! You can either go to PacificShirt.com or kicks4kenya.org within the next couple weeks to help us out! Thank you for your continued support and a special thanks to PacificTshirtCo!

k4k Out!

First Group Trip Planned!

2009-05-31T22:06:00.000-07:00

Greetings to everyone out there on the interweb! It has been awesome to hear all of the positive feedback from the new website....thanks again Adam! Really cool to see our small idea grow into something like this.....very humbling.

Over the past several months we have had quite a few people ask when we are going to take another trip over and also ask about possibly joining us on it. The idea of getting a group of young people to travel with us has always been a goal of mine, so after figuring out a few details we have decided that now is a good time to plan our first ever group trip to kenya! I think it is awesome that because of all this we have people coming to us asking to travel halfway across the world to help out others...so cool! So this December-January, we will be taking a month long trip to nakuru, kenya to help renovate a community soccer field of a team we helped on our last trip in 2007, as well as work in the community with the street youth. Our main goal will be to provide a safe place for children from all across the city to come and play soccer.

We have 4 people already booked ready to go and are willing to take 2 more. So if you or someone you know is interested in traveling to Africa to play some soccer and help others all at the same time, contact me!!

Due to the cost of this project, we are asking for your help. The renovation of the field will cost around $5,000 US and the cost for each person on the trip will be around $3,000. So in total we are looking at about $15,000 for this trip. We are saving money of our own as well, but we will need your help and support to make this trip a reality! We will be hosting several fundraisers during the summer that we would love your support with! We are not asking for alot because as I have seen in the past, every dollar counts! If you are willing to help out in anyway please visit our donation page on our website or email me with any questions!
http://www.kicks4kenya.org/donate.php

With your donation we will send you a complete packet recapping our trip upon our arrival. We will also send you the bio and photo of one special child that your generous donation helped during our stay! We will also be creating a special trip page on the website soon so you can track the progress of our goal to raise the $15,000!

Thats all I have for now so thank you for the time and looking forward to speaking again and seeing what the future holds!

k4k Out

New Teams4Teams Program launched!

2009-05-23T09:10:00.000-07:00

Big news here in the K4K world. First off our new website is up and running! www.kicks4kenya.org. A special thanks to Adam Havens for all his work in getting up and looking awesome! So check it out for all your newest K4K info.....

Finally our newest initiative has officially been launched and its called Teams4Teams!! Wether you have a high school, club, recreational, or any other type of team, we want your help. We are asking your entire team to get together to help support an entire team in Kenya. This can include everything from shoes and balls to books and food. We have the opportunity to make such a huge difference so by grouping up and doing something with friends we can make an even bigger difference! For more info or if you would like to sponsor a team please email me at twidbin@kicks4kenya.org!

Thanks for all the support and keep in touch this summer for all information on fundraisers and activities!!

K4K Out

The Twitter Challenge

2009-04-21T21:40:00.000-07:00

Well as most of you probably know Twitter is unofficially the new mainstream media highway ever since the Ashton kutcher vs CNN race to a million followers. I got an idea to use Twitter in a way to really get the word out about k4k.

My goal is by June 1st. to get to 1,000 followers. Then for the month of June, get each one of those followers to donate at least $1. If everything works out how I am hoping we will then have at least $1,000 dollars to use to repair a soccer field for one of the teams we worked with in 2007 on our upcoming trip. So come on everyone follow the link below and start following and help make a difference with only a $1!

http://twitter.com/kicks4kenya

k4k,
OUT!

A new outlook and motivation

2009-03-22T21:17:00.000-07:00

Well I dont really know where to start this post off so Ill just go for it. Alot has happened in the last 3-4 months that has caused me to lose all focus on Kicks4Kenya. Everything from losing a job going through a few problems, etc. I lost desire to put in the time and effort into what it takes to keep K4K working.

I dont know what it was but it just hit me the other day how much I am letting everyone down. Everyone from the kids in Kenya to the hundreds of people who have donated their time, money, and prayers into what we do. It hit me like a ton of bricks that here I am wasting my time feeling sorry for myself about a few things that have gone wrong with me and yet the kids in Kenya we have tried to help live with it everyday and never feel sorry for themselves. So to everyone who has supported K4K I just want to say that I am sorry. I will try my hardest to not let anyone down again.

With that being said things are really going to start changing in the next month and by change I mean become ridiculously awesome. Our first line of Tshirts are going to be coming out and be for sale exclusively at SoccerPro.com. We are also getting a completely brand new interactive website built. Finally we are coming out with a few great fundraising and volunteer opportunities and also planning a group to work in Kenya for a couple weeks over next Christmas break.

Finally I want to let a HUGE thank you to everyone at SoccerPro.com and Soccergrow.org!! There extremely generous promotion of doubling all donations during Christmas time was a extremely kind gesture and we cannot thank them enough!

So everyone Im sorry for the last few month hiatus but promise it will not happen again and that things will only be done to promote Kicks4Kenya. Thank you everyone for your support in the past and the future!

K4K out

Great chance to double your Christmas gifts!!

2008-12-17T13:22:00.000-08:00

Hey guys sorry for the delay in writing a new blog post.....things got pretty crazy busy the last few months but things are slowing down now and I got some more time on my hands.

Well it is now Christmas time and Soccergrow.org is doing a fantastic offer for Kicks4kenya. All donations made up until Christmas day will be matched by SoccerPro. This is a great chance to make twice as big a difference around the Holidays! So head on over to SoccerPro.com, make a donation, and pick up some great soccer gear for your loved ones this Holiday! Thank you SoccerPro for this fantastic offer!!

Hope everyone has a safe and merry holiday season!

Feed The Need 08 Recap!

2008-09-23T11:52:00.000-07:00

First off I would like to send a HUGE thank you to everyone that donated their time and money to make our Feed The Need a great success! Thanks to your support we ended up raising over $750 to help the children of Kenya! So THANK YOU!!

Our donation jars

Just a few of our awesome volunteers!

Feed The Need 08

2008-09-12T09:52:00.000-07:00

Kicks4Kenya is proud to announce our first ever benefit dinner on September 21st at the Chuong Garden in Fort Madison, Iowa. This is will be a very special night for all of us. 100% of all tips made as well as 20% of all the meals will be donated to our work in Kenya. We want to serve you so that you can help us serve others. So if your able, come on out to the Chuong on September 21st and have a great meal for a great cause. If you cant, give anyway and help us make a difference. We will see you there!

K4K Out!

BIG New Partner Announcement!

2008-08-26T14:18:00.000-07:00

Big news here for Kicks4Kenya. We are very proud to announce that Kicks4Kenya has been chosen to be the first charity partner of SoccerGrow.org! SoccerGrow is the charitable program of SoccerPro.com, a soccer retail online shop based out of Columbia Missouri.
Our new partnership with SoccerGrow will allow us even more opportunities to reach out to people about what soccer means in Kenya and also allow us the resources we need to accomplish our goals. Thank you SoccerGrow!
So if you guys are in need of any new soccer equipment or gear, check out SoccerPro.com! Through your support of them they help support us!

If you want anymore information on either soccergrow.org or soccerpro.com just click on their pictures below:

1st Annual Kicks4Kenya Soccer fundraiser!

2008-08-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

Hey guys everything is now set up for our first ever soccer tournament fundraiser! Its been alot of work but were hoping to make this a huge event! The tournament will take place October 4, 2008. All the details are on the official website of the tournament:

www.losetheshoesIowa.com

Even if you cant make the tournament to play in donate some money and help the cause! If you donate $50 or more you will also get a free T-shirt!

Thanks everyone and we look forward to seeing you on October 4!

New video with Kevin Hartman!

2008-08-07T18:56:00.000-07:00

We would like to thank Kevin Hartman and the Kansas City Wizards for all their support for Kicks4Kenya!

Cool soccer blog!

2008-07-23T18:30:00.000-07:00

Hey guys a good friend of mine, and a generous donar to our last trip to Kenya, Mark Lincir has just started a new soccer blog! So if you want to read about the latest odds and ends in the soccer world check it out and support Mark! Thanks!

http://www.sportstalkbuzz.com/

K4K Out

VBS+K4K=100 Soccer Balls for Kenya

2008-07-16T13:44:00.000-07:00

This is the video of K4K and VBS teaming up to raise enough money for over 130 soccer to send to Kenya! We would like to thank everyone who helped with this project and making it a great success!!

K4K and vacation bible school teaming up!!

2008-06-17T13:08:00.000-07:00

K4K and our new Change4Change program will be working with the Grace Bible Church and their vacation bible school program in late June to get the community to donate their change to buy soccer balls for Kenya. How awesome! Each night we will be trying to collect different coins.

Monday- Pennies
Tuesday- Nickels
Wednesday- Dimes
Thursday- Quarters
Friday- Bills

Our goal for the week is to raise $800 dollars to buy 100 soccer balls to send to kenya! If you would like to join K4K and Vacation Bible School in reaching this goal please use our paypal link and donate! Thanks!

Interview with HillCrest Road blog

2008-06-02T16:02:00.000-07:00

Hey just letting everyone know that K4K was fortunate enough to get a great Q & A with the Kansas City Wizards Hillcrest Road blog. We would like to thank Erin Lawless, Kyle Rodgers, and the entire Wizards organization for their support!!

Here is a link to the blog:
http://www.hillcrestroad.blogspot.com/

K4K Signing off

New Program under way at K4K!!!

2008-05-20T21:44:00.000-07:00

Well Im not sure who all reads this anymore but I would like to apologize for the huge delay inbetween posts. Not alot has gone on with K4K but I apologize for the lack of updates. But now back to the exciting news!

For the summer of 2008 Kicks4Kenya is going to be partnering with the MLS's Kansas City Wizards to raise money to get people in Kenya mosquito nets to stop the spread of maleria. Maleria kills more then 3,000 people in Africa PER DAY! This is an outrageous number considering the fact that for just $10 you can buy a mosquito net for a family to save their lives.

Several fundraisers are going to be held over the summer and the fall and the distribution of the nets will take place in the Winter of 2008/2009, hopefully while Kylee and myself are in Kenya. We are also going to be working on promo videos for people to share and put on YouTube to hopefully spread the word worldwide and get as many donations as possible! This is a great opportunity to use your spare change to save a life!

If you feel led to buy a net all you have to do is go to Kicks4Kenya.org and click on the donate button and donate $10 safely and securely through paypal. With your donation you will receive a picture of the family that your net is going to help.

Keep checking in on the blog for updates on the project and also a "goal count" of how many nets we have raised. Our goal for this summer of 2008 is 100 nets for 100 families. And yes, I promise to update the blog with new news :) Thanks for your time everyone and God Bless,

TJ

Crisis In Kenya

2008-01-28T09:46:00.000-08:00

Well as most of you probably know Kenya is in a rough spot right now. After the presidential elections riots began to break out between the two tribes and now Kenya is in total chaos. Unfortunately the orphanage that kylee and I stayed at last summer is right in the middle of things. They are safe so far but it is still scary. Here is a blog update that they posted on the situation over there:

SUNDAY 27TH JAN. 2008

TODAY TURNED OUT TO BE A BUSY DAY (AS THEY SAY NO REST FOR THE WICKED). STARTING EARLY WITH LOTS OF LITTLE BODIES SHARING OUR BED.WE WERE SHORT STAFFED ONCE AGAIN AS MANY OF OUR STAFF HAVE TROUBLE GETTING TO WORK. SOME OF THEM GET CHASED OFF THE MATATUS (THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT) DEPENDING WHAT TRIBE THEY ARE, MAKING IT DIFFICULT FOR THEM TO GET HERE. BUT THANK GOD WE MANAGE.

LATE THIS MORNING THE MOTHER OF ONE OF OUR STAFF MEMBERS CAME ASKING IF WE COULD TAKE SOME FOOD AND BLANKETS TO SOME OF THE FAMILIES IN THEIR COMMUNITY.SO WE STARTED PUTTING TOGETHER BAGS OF FOOD, CLOTHES, SOAP, TOILET PAPER & SANITARY PRODUCTS AND TOOK A CAR LOAD TO DISTRIBUTE AT TWO HOMES, THE FIRST ONE HAVING APPROX 25 PEOPLE LIVING THERE AND THE OTHER APPROX 50.

THEY WERE SO GRATEFUL FOR THE LITTLE THEY GOT AND COULDN'T STOP THANKING US.AT THE SECOND HOME THERE WERE MANY WOMEN AND CHILDREN, WE TIPPED OUT A SACK FULL OF CLOTHES AND ONE OF THE LADIES WAS TRYING TO KEEP ORDER SO THAT EACH PERSON COULD TAKE ONE OR TWO ITEMS BUT THAT DIDN'T WORK FOR LONG, ALL OF A SUDDEN THEY ALL RAN TOWARD THE PILE AND STARTED SCRAMBLING FOR WHAT EVER THEY COULD GET THERE HANDS ON. IT WAS REALLY KIND OF SAD TO WATCH AND TO REALISE THE DESPERATION OF THESE PEOPLE. I MYSELF WOULDN'T HAVE A CLUE HOW IT MUST FEEL FOR THEM AS I HAVE NEVER HAD TO EXPERIENCE NOT HAVING ANYTHING, AND I PRAY THAT I NEVER HAVE TO.

AFTER THAT WE MADE OUR WAY INTO TOWN HOPING THAT WE WOULD BE ABLE TO GET IN SO THAT WE COULD PICK UP SOME SUPPLIES. ONCE AGAIN THE MAIN STREET WAS DESERTED MOST BUSINESSES WERE CLOSED MAKING NAKURU LOOK LIKE A GHOST TOWN. THE SUPERMARKET THAT WE USUALLY SHOP IN AND THAT IS USUALLY CROWED WAS PRACTICALLY EMPTY.

IN SHORT, THINGS ARE NOT GOOD AROUND NAKURU, A TOWN THAT WAS ONCE CONSIDERED SAFE, SEEING THE MIGRATION OF THOUSANDS OF HOMELESS LOOKING FOR REFUGE HAS NOW BECOME A TOWN OF DANGER. VIOLENCE KEEPS ERUPTING, RUMORS ARE CIRCULATING THAT EVEN THE PEOPLE AT THE REFUGE CAMPS ARE NOT SAFE, THREATS OF MASS SLAUGHTER ARE BEING SPREAD CONSTANTLY.

THIS PAST WEEK HAS SEEN HUNDREDS NOW FLEEING NAKURU TO SAFER ZONES, ONE SUCH PLACE BEING NIAVASHA THE TOWN BETWEEN NAIROBI AND NAKURU. THE TOWN THAT WAS CONSIDERED SAFE ONLY A FEW DAYS AGO HAS TODAY ALSO ERUPTED IN VIOLENCE. ROAD BLOCKS IN THE FORM OF HUGE ROCKS AND BURNING CARS HAVE BEEN SET UP BY YOUTH FORCING CARS AND BUSES TO TURN AROUND AND RETURN BACK TO NAIROBI.(THANK GOD WE ARRIVED YESTERDAY AND NOT TODAY) HUGE STONES PLACED IN THE STREETS TO PREVENT VEHICLES FROM GETTING THROUGH. MANY INJURED AND KILLED. A GROUP OF 10 BEING BURNT ALIVE IN A HOUSE FIRE. EVEN AMID PEACE TALKS BETWEEN THE TWO POLITICAL PARTIES, TRIBLE CLASHES ARE BECOMING MORE FREQUENT AND VIOLENT. TALK IS THAT CIVIL WAR IS LOOMING. NO THIS ISN'T A HORROR MOVIE OR A NIGHTMARE THIS IS REALLY HAPPENING. FRIENDS PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR SAFETY AND THAT THINGS WILL FINALY SETTLE DOWN BEFORE TOO MANY MORE INNOCENT LIVES ARE LOST. AT THE MOMENT WE ARE SAFE AND BOTH TRIBES ON EITHER SIDE OF US PROMISE TO PROTECT US FROM THE OTHER, BUT IN REALITY YOU NEVER REALLY KNOW WHAT CAN HAPPEN. WELL! AFTER A BUSY FIRST DAY BACK, IT IS TIME TO GET SOME REST AND SEE WHAT TOMORROW BRINGS. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR PRAYERS WE REALLY APPRECIATE THEM AND MAY GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERY ONE.

So as of right now I am not sure how are plans sit with going over in the summer of 2008 to distribute soccer balls. If we are not able to go in June-July we are going to plan on going in Winter over Christmas break. But hopefully things will all be peaceful by then and we can go no problem!

Welcome to K4K!!

2008-01-18T08:38:00.001-08:00

First off Id like to say thanks for visiting the K4K website! Its a new site and organization and there will be lots of mistakes, so if you see any let me know and Ill fix it right away. Ill try to keep the site as up to date as possible with pictures, videos, info, and anything else going on. Also check back often on the donations page as I will update it with upcoming fundraisers that were going to have. If any of you have any fundraising ideas feel free to email me at Twidbin@Kicks4kenya.org ! Thanks again everyone for checking it out and leave me comments with some feedback on what you think so far! God Bless!