Giving children a chance
Courtesy of Kia Rose
Kia Rose believes every child deserves the opportunity to play a sport.
“Sports play a vital role in fostering physical health, teamwork, discipline and confidence for these young kids,” said Rose.
Unfortunately, said the Uniontown mom of six, some families can’t afford to do so.
Through her nonprofit the Ks Foundation, Rose wants to remove the financial obstacle. The foundation, started in July, will cover registration for youth sports for families that make $49,000 or less yearly.
All of her children are sports-oriented, Rose said, and there were times that she found it difficult to pay for their participation.
“I see how much sports can affect kids and how far it can go for them to excel in anything,” Rose said. “I created this foundation so it can take away the financial barriers for children and families so they at least have a chance to get out of the house.”
Rose, a 2013 graduate of Uniontown Area High School, said everything is private, so no one will know who is asking for the help.
The Ks Foundation has held a number of events to raise funds for the cause, such as a Night at the Oscars Gala in November at the Uniontown Country Club.
On Dec. 20, the foundation held a Christmas Toy Drive and were able to help at least 40 families, said Rose.
“I’m so grateful and thankful for our community as a whole to be able to get together and help these children so (they were) able to open up something during this holiday season,” she said.
On Jan. 25, the Ks Foundation is holding the “Dodge for a Cause” dodgeball tournament at the Uniontown YMCA.
While the focus is currently on children in Fayette County, Rose hopes to expand the foundation’s reach, first to neighboring counties. Then, said Rose, she hopes to take it statewide.
“It has to start somewhere. Every child deserves a chance to play, grow and succeed,” she said.
Those interested in contributing can contact the foundation on its Facebook page or by calling 724-434-9061. Rose said the foundation is in the process of establishing a website.