The Dannheiser Fund for Kids is on pace to help more children this summer than it served during its previous six years combined, marking a record year for the Owensboro nonprofit.
Founder Jon Troutman said the volunteer-run organization expects to provide new back-to-school shoes and educational programming to approximately 427 children this year, up from 242 children in 2025.
“Our goal was 300 kids this year,” Troutman said. “I just ran the numbers, and it looks like we’re going to have about 427.”
The organization, which provides new shoes to children after they complete a summer educational program, has partnered this year with the Cliff Hagan Boys & Girls Club, Girls Inc., and Fresh Start for Women.
Programming is now nearly complete, with volunteers shifting their focus to coordinating shoe fittings before the start of the school year.
“Now it’s just getting in contact with the parents and getting them signed up to come for the days we’re going to be there,” Troutman said. “It’s the most rewarding part. You work 11½ months out of the year, and then those two weekends are the payoff.”
The nonprofit recently wrapped up its LEAP program with 14 children through Fresh Start for Women, focusing on empathy, confidence, physical activity, and learning. Participants then visited Shoe Stop to receive the first round of back-to-school shoes.
At Girls Inc. and with teenage participants at the Boys & Girls Club, the organization introduced a new curriculum called SWAP, which encourages young people to replace unhealthy habits with positive ones.
While the new shoes are the program’s most visible reward, Troutman said they’re only part of the organization’s mission.
“We’re trying to build the students up to let them know they can have a successful future,” he said.
One cornerstone of the curriculum is an activity called “What I Like About Me,” where children identify four positive qualities about themselves.
“It’s amazing how some kids will sit there and tell you, ‘I don’t like anything about myself,’” Troutman said. “By the end of the summer, they can write down four things they like about themselves. Mental health in kids is a big deal, and we feel like that gives them a positive boost going into the school year.”
The dramatic increase in participation nearly created a financial challenge.
Troutman said the board realized it might not have enough funding to cover the additional children before receiving an unexpected donation from a longtime supporter.
“We all prayed about it, and the very next Monday we got word that one of the people who has supported us in the past was going to give us a donation,” he said. “Hopefully it will cover all of our expenses this year.”
The organization also benefited from a successful sports and Pokémon card show fundraiser earlier this summer, with proceeds shared between the Dannheiser Fund for Kids and the Cliff Hagan Boys & Girls Club.
Troutman credited the nonprofit’s volunteers, board members and community partners for the organization’s rapid growth.
“We wanted to impact 1,000 kids someday,” he said. “If it turns out one year it’s only 50 kids, it’s not really about the number. It’s about the impact we’re going to make in each one of these kids’ lives.”
With summer programming winding down, the organization’s work is far from over.
Troutman said volunteers will soon begin applying for grants, planning additional fundraisers — including a fall trivia night — and preparing for next year’s program.
“If we raise enough money to help another 427 kids next year, that’s great,” he said. “If we raise more than that, then we’ll look for new partners and help even more children.”
More information about the Dannheiser Fund for Kids, including volunteer opportunities and donations, is available at dhfundforkids.com.
