KC Cares | How NFL Players Turn Custom Cleats into Change
KC Cares Nonprofit Interviews
NFL legend Will Shields returns to KC Cares to celebrate ten years of My Cause My Cleats. What started as a simple idea — customizing cleats to highlight causes — has evolved into a powerful storytelling platform for players, fans, and nonprofits. Joined by Kansas City Chiefs players, the episode reveals the personal stories behind the designs: mental health advocacy, childhood cancer, and grief support. Together, they show how football can create change that lasts far beyond the field.
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KC Cares | How Barbecue Became a Beacon After Disaster
KC Cares Nonprofit Interviews
On this episode of KC Cares we talk with Stan Hays, founder of Operation BBQ Relief. When a devastating tornado hit Joplin, Missouri, pitmaster Stan Hays answered the call the only way he knew how—with barbecue. That moment lit the flame for Operation BBQ Relief, a nonprofit now serving hundreds of thousands in times of crisis. In this KC Cares interview, Stan shares the emotional roots of OBR, the gaps it fills in disaster relief, and how barbecue became therapy through Camp OBR. It’s not just about food—it’s about connection, comfort, and showing up when it matters most. --- Name:...
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Ask The Expert: Nonprofit Funds with Dr. Thomas Vansaghi
KC Cares Nonprofit Interviews
In this Ask the Expert episode, we sit down with Dr. Thomas Vansaghi from UMKC’s Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership to unpack the critical need for rainy day funds in nonprofit operations. From weathering revenue disruptions to boosting donor trust, Dr. Vansaghi lays out practical steps to start, structure, and sustain a reserve fund. Whether you’re a seasoned ED or a scrappy startup, this conversation offers must-hear insights on long-term nonprofit sustainability. Do you have questions about nonprofit funds? These 5 key questions are answered: What is a rainy day fund in a...
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How an NFL Legend is Changing Kids’ Futures
KC Cares Nonprofit Interviews
On this episode of KC Cares, Kansas City's Nonprofit Voice: Derrick Johnson, the Kansas City Chiefs’ all-time leading tackler, has carried his drive from the field into philanthropy. In this KC Cares interview, he shares how his Defend the Dream Foundation transforms school libraries in low-income communities, giving kids access to age-appropriate books and bright, inviting spaces to read. He also discusses his new children’s book, Super DJ Saves Field Day, co-written with his wife, which encourages kids to discover their inner strength and values. Find out more at kccaresonline.org
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Johnson County Community College Foundation Impact
KC Cares Nonprofit Interviews
Guadalupe Centers, Kansas City’s historic Latino-focused nonprofit, celebrates 100+ years of community service. CEO Beto Lopez discusses its education initiatives, including a thriving charter school system, and its innovative programs addressing housing and senior needs.
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Guadalupe Centers: A Century of Impact on Kansas City’s Latino Community
KC Cares Nonprofit Interviews
Guadalupe Centers, Kansas City’s historic Latino-focused nonprofit, celebrates 100+ years of community service. CEO Beto Lopez discusses its education initiatives, including a thriving charter school system, and its innovative programs addressing housing and senior needs.
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Jamie Boyle on Welcome House’s New Facility & Sobriety with Dignity
KC Cares Nonprofit Interviews
Welcome House, led by CEO Jamie Boyle, provides a unique recovery model emphasizing accountability and dignity. With its newly opened state-of-the-art facility, Welcome House is transforming lives in Kansas City by offering a supportive community and practical steps toward long-term sobriety.
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Innovative Partnership Between Prospect KC and Nourish KC Fights Hunger
KC Cares Nonprofit Interviews
Prospect KC and Nourish KC have united to tackle hunger in Kansas City through innovative food redistribution and culinary training programs. This dynamic partnership combines forces to reduce food waste, provide nutritious meals, and create job opportunities for those facing employment barriers.
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Earl Phalen on Leadership in Social Entrepreneurship
KC Cares Nonprofit Interviews
Welcome House, led by CEO Jamie Boyle, provides a unique recovery model emphasizing accountability and dignity. With its newly opened state-of-the-art facility, Welcome House is transforming lives in Kansas City by offering a supportive community and practical steps toward long-term sobriety.
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ArtsKC’s The Drop Program: Expanding Access to the Arts in Kansas City
KC Cares Nonprofit Interviews
Dana Knapp and Linda Williams of ArtsKC discuss the transformative economic impact of the arts in Kansas City and the introduction of “The Drop” program. This initiative aims to reduce barriers to art participation by offering affordable ticket options and engaging local communities through trusted ambassadors.
info_outlineJoin KC Cares as we talk with Chris Rosson, CEO and President of the United Way of Greater Kansas City! The United Ways mission has always been to mobilize our city’s collective generosity, because we know there’s strength in numbers. They work together with hundreds of nonprofits across our six-county region and help 1 in 3 Kansas Citians gain access to health, education and financial resources. United Way connects those who want to be catalysts for change with causes that change our community for the better. The Waymakers make this possible. Listen or watch the webcast here --> Click Here