Dottie runs Dave's Dash and interview with Allison Giddens

Dottie here to tell everyone that we all can make a difference in the lives of others. 

I wanted to share one such group and what they are doing to raise money to help out kids in the area.  Early Saturday morning a small group of people got together at Swift Cantrell Park in Kennesaw for the 1st Dave's Dash benefiting the Dave Krache Foundation.  After the run I had the opportunity to ask Allison Giddens and few questions about the foundation and share with all of you.  

Merilee, Allison, Donna with Dottie

Dottie:   Who is Dave Krache?

Allison:  Dave Krache was my dad.  He passed away unexpectedly in June 2009, and was one of the most generous people I've ever known.  He was the kind of person who made my sister and I perpetually grateful of what we had, and aware that it was our moral obligation to help others when we could.

 Dottie:   What is the purpose of the Dave Krache foundation, why and when was it started?

Allison:  The purpose of the Foundation is to help kids in need play the sports they love, even when their families aren't in the financial situation to afford to pay rec league 

fees.  A couple of years after Dad’s passing, I was entering my second season volunteering as an assistant softball coach for a local girl’s slow pitch team.  I saw some little girls show up in cleats with holes in them, and gloves that were too small.  This never dampened their spirits to play.  I decided that no one should ever have to tell a kid they can’t play a sport because mom and dad can’t afford it.  So, in the summer of 2012, an adult softball tournament was organized and five teams paid to play in a day-long tournament.  I was able to get 100% of goods and services donated, so 100% of the player application fees went directly to the Foundation.  The latter half of 2012 was dedicated to completing the paperwork to become an official 501(c)3.

Dottie:  Who benefits from the foundation?

Allison:  Kids in metro Atlanta – mainly Cobb and Cherokee counties, with a focus on Kennesaw and Woodstock.

Dottie:   Is it only for people who live in Kennesaw?

Allison:  No, although we have an informal “rule” that says that the money goes from where it came.  We weigh donations each season.  If we find that many donors are from the Kennesaw area, we focus on Kennesaw parks and offer “first dibs” to those kids in need.

Dottie:    How does someone request and receive assistance from the foundation?

Allison:  If someone is in need of financial assistance, they ask a volunteer at the park or league (such as a coach or Board Member) to get in touch with me.  That’s best done via email: Allison@davekrache.com  From there, a short one-page form is completed, basically just verifying that the family does indeed need the help, and to get some basic demographic info for our records (such as the sport the child plays, how long they've played, how old they are).  This information isn't shared by itself.  It’s combined and shared in our public records.  For example, in the Fall 2013, we helped 10 kids play basketball in Cherokee County.

 Dottie:   What other fund raisers have you done and what can we expect to see in the future?

some of the volunteers and runners

Allison:  Apart from softball tournaments, we've had a bowling tournament and a 1 mile/3 mile fun run.  There have been lots of great suggestions: Comedy Club Fundraisers, Golf Tournaments, Poker Tournaments, and Fundraiser Dinners are among the top ideas.  Another softball tournament is most likely in the cards for early Summer 2014, and the Golf Tournament is gaining traction for Spring 2014, as is another Bowling Tournament early in the year. 

 Dottie:    How do people learn more about donating to the foundations or upcoming events?

Allison:  “Georgia Gives Day” is November 13, and to celebrate, we have a “Click and Pledge” link on our website!  Just go to www.davekrache.com, click on “Donate,” and find the “Click and Pledge” link.  You can also mail a check, or use PayPal.  Details are on the website. 

“Like” us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!  We’re even on Pinterest, and we have a hilarious rendition of the Harlem Shake on YouTube! 

You can also join our mailing list by emailing Allison@davekrache.com and asking to be included.

 Dottie:  Who are the other people in the photo with us?

Allison:  That is a fellow Dave Krache Foundation board member, Merilee Durgan, and my mom and Dave’s wife, Donna Krache.  They are always at events and always work hard to get the Foundation’s mission out there! 

Dottie:   When are you coming to visit again?  I love when you come to visit, you give the best scratchies.

Allison:  You name the date!  You did great at the Fun Run.  That was very good of you not to out-do your mom and dad and stay at their pace.  I know you really wanted a medal, but didn't want to outshine everyone else.  I’ll make it up to you with treats!

Thanks to Allison, Merilee, Donna, Matt and everyone else that gave their time and efforts to make the very first Dave's Dash a success.  Look forward to next year!

Read more about Dottie's adventures in and around Kennesaw, GA - visit Dottie's Spot