Willie & Vivian Gaddis Foundation for K.I.D.S.

Description

The Willie and Vivian Gaddis Foundation for K.I.D.S. (Kids Inspired and Destined for Success) is a publically funded non-profit organization supported by corporate grants, grants and individual donations. Incorporated by the State of Ohio, Secretary of State December 24, 2001, its tax-exempt and charitable purpose was determined by IRS under Section 501c3 of the Internal Revenue Code in April 2002. The idea for the family foundation was conceived by siblings Alethea E. Gaddis and Randal L. Gaddis I in early 2001. Reflecting on the legacy of their parents in the fields of music and construction, and because of their love for children as reflected in years of mentoring them, the brother and sister team thought it well to establish an organization that would serve the greater good of the community by empowering and equipping others to pursue their destiny in these fields. Initially this was to be accomplished by establishing a scholarship fund named for Willie L. Gaddis the consummate entrepreneur who began a construction company with his wife in the basement of their home. The Mississippi native is the son of sharecroppers, yet with limited education and very little capital, the Gaddis & Son, Inc., a construction was established. A scholarship in his name was established for a young man demonstrating an entrepreneurial spirit and aspiring to pursue an undergraduate degree in business. A scholarship was also established for Vivian A. Gaddis whose passionate love for music has been evidenced over 60 years in the Gaddis home and in various capacities in her church congregation. Therefore a scholarship was established for a young lady pursuing an undergraduate music degree. Then in 2004, after the unexpected death of the Gaddis' younger daughter, her siblings established a scholarship for a non-traditional female student with at least one child striving to improve her economic position for her and her family. Education then is viewed as a tool to improve one's socio-economic status. The organization is dedicated to providing the very best in college access programming as well as other building blocks, including scholarships, to help children and youth to develop extraordinary lives! We believe a quality education positions youth to be competitive in the 21 st century. We are committed to making a difference in the lives we are able to touch