Join members of the Keane Foundation at Bobbie Dees Rock N Chair in Avalon on Saturday, July 22nd. Details in below, sign up by scanning QR code

Can’t make it but still want to help the cause, donate here!

We are so thankful to have received the Keane Foundation scholarship.
I absolutely have no doubt that I and my family, have made it through this emotional journey with the grace of support, compassion and love from family, friends, and coworkers; coming in, even from Georgia!

Worry, fear and doubt were taking over my thoughts from the time I was diagnosed till my last treatment. These pictures were taken three days before my mastectomy.

I really love how beautiful my family came out in them, but our smiles were hiding the emotional stress we were feeling. My intention was to get one last family photo just in case our worst fears came true and, at the very least have a memento of what I looked like before cancer- strong and healthy with hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes.

I understand our family had fear of talking about the emotions we were feeling. I had the hardest time sharing the news that I had stage III breast cancer at age 38.

Counseling has provided relief, awareness, and an outlet to those emotions that mentally at the time I couldn’t give. Thank you, for giving Marissa that opportunity.

Sincerely,
Jessica

On April 21st the Keane Foundation held it’s third fundraising event at Keegan’s Public House in Kennesaw.  The three hour event not only raised money, but also allowed raised awareness of the projects the foundation has taken on over the past 12 months.  Unfortunately, the Keane Foundation official photographer (Kirk Smith) was too busy mingling and enjoying the event to actually take any pictures, which is why this post in mostly text.

Thanks to those who donated to the cause, and to those that attended.  Below are a list of sponsers.  If you click on their names or logo’s, you will be taken to their websites.  Please support these local Atlanta establishments, as their generosity is key to our work.

As we begin 2018, I’d like to personally thank all those who have contributed your time, gifts, and talents to the Keane Foundation over the past 12 months.  A core group of supporters from the greater Atlanta area helped hold another successful fundraiser at Keegan’s Public House in Kennesaw (Thanks owner Pete McCaffery) that has allowed us to help families who need a little help due to family illness or tragedy.  The foundation raised and distributed roughly $10,000 in 2017, with several of the stories behind the donations listed below.

In what can only be described as a freak bicycle accident in the spring of 2016, Bowie sustained life altering brain injuries that have required (and will require) extensive physical therapy.  The Keane Foundation paid two months of health insurance premiums in 2017 (around $3500) to help put a dent in their ever mounting medical bills.  Bowie and his mother were nice enough to make an appearance at our 2017 Atlanta event, which allowed supporters to see our work in person.  For more information on Bowie and his status, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/279fbvg

Thanks to the 66 guest who came to Keegan’s Public house on Saturday night to watch some basketball, have some food and drink, and raise money for a great cause. Bottom line – we raised almost $7000 on this event and the Tournament Challenge (which is still going on as we speak).

The event was highly successful for several reasons, the first being the support of the community. Karen would have smiled seeing friends from all over Atlanta come out to support the cause. We had Starr Lake neighborhood people, NASA and YMCA soccer people, Pickett’s Mill Elementary – Allatoona HS people, and even some old Atlanta Magic people come out on Saturday. Thanks to all of you who came out (pictures are being shared on “The Keane Foundation” FB page).

It’s hard to believe another year is in the books.  Here at The Keane Foundation, we would like to thank those who have supported us this year, and to update you everyone on some of the work we have did in 2015.

We held two fund raising events, one in Atlanta, and one on the Jersey Shore.  Both were well attended, and raised roughly $20,000 to be distributed to families in need.

Throughout the year, the Southern branch has worked to help our community and families at need. Some of the work includes:

• The Kalafut Family of Kennesaw, GA– Mary and her family lost her husband unexpectedly in 2014.  The Keane Foundation supported the family with help on a weekend getaway with her children this past summer.
• The Troxell Family of Woodstock, GA– Stacy and her family lost her husband unexpectedly this past summer.  The Keane Foundation stepped in to help pay for maintenance work to the family vehicles.
• The Wilson Family of Gloucester County, NJ – Seven year old Ella has Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) and is going through chemotherapy for brain tumors.  The Keane Foundation bought Christmas gifts for Ella and her sister, and also paid a month’s mortgage payment to help lighten their load.
• The Howard Family, Acworth, GA – Leisa Howard is a popular middle school teacher who is bravely battling stage four cancer.  The Keane Foundation sent Leisa and her family on a long weekend get-away this past spring
• Establishment of “The Karen Keane Smith Science Fair at Pickett’s Mill Elementary, Acworth GA – Karen loved science fairs, and started the Science Fair at Pickett’s Mill when the school first opened in 2008.  Effective in 2016, the foundation is sponsoring this event going forward with an annual $500 gift

All told, the Keane Foundation has distributed the majority of money raised in 2015, and are looking for more ways to help in 2016. Our goal is to give the majority of money away before our next fundraising events in the spring and summer of this coming year. If you know of a family that is going through a crises and could use a little help, please contact us or nominate a recipient.

God Bless, and Happy New Year,

Kirk Smith – Board Member – The Keane Foundation

PS – In 2016, the Atlanta branch of the Keane Foundation will hold a March Madness College Basketball fundraiser.  Part of the fun will be a Nationwide Bracket Pool.  Details will be out soon!

The Billy Keane Foundation (a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization) was founded to honor the memory of Billy Keane, who lost his battle to Colon Cancer in 2009. Since its inception in 2009, the Billy Keane Foundation has helped numerous people in need throughout the greater Philadelphia area, distributing in excess of $150,000 in the past 6 years.

After the passing of Billy’s sister Karen in 2013 after a long battle with Breast Cancer, the foundation has been rebranded “The Keane Foundation” to honor both Billy and Karen, as well as their parents Tom and Joan, who were killed in an auto accident in 2003. The Foundations mission has also increased to include helping families in the greater Atlanta Georgia/Greenville South Carolina areas too!

One of the unique things about The Keane Foundation is its commitment to keep the friends of Karen and Billy (that means you!) connected to one another and to support one another, through at least one annual fund raising event.

Mission Statement
We are celebrating the legacy of Billy and Karen by assisting families who are facing difficult times due to an illness or tragedy. The Foundation plans to hold at least one fund raising event a year, and to distribute these contributions shortly thereafter to worthy candidates who will receive a onetime financial gift to help with their immediate needs.

The Keane Foundation is proud to announce our 2015 Event!

Saturday, August 22, 2015 – 5:30- 9pm
Starfish Boats,

42nd Street and Bay, Sea Isle City, NJ

Food and drink (that means full bar) are included, along with a DJ and dancing!  Only room for 120 (adults only), so sign up now.

Ticket Prices: $100 per person (food and drinks included)
To sign up for tickets, CLICK HERE !!

If you can’t attend, but would still like to make a donation, click here

Although a little more “subdued” than last year, the event on March 14^th was once again an overwhelming success with well over $5000 raised.  Around 70 people partook in the festivities and enjoyed the food, drink, and fellowship.  Once again we had great local support from local businesses (see links to their websites below), and a great time was had by those in attendance (including the host).  For pictures of the event, visit our Facebook site.

As 2014 comes to an end, The Keane Foundation would like to thank those who have supported, and to update you on work we have done.

In our first full year as “The Keane Foundation” (Formerly “The Billy Keane Foundation”) we expanded both our giving and our fundraising to Georgia. The southern branch, anchored by Karen Keane Smith’s husband Kirk and sister Cindy, held the first annual Karen Keane Smith St. Patrick’s Day party. The event was a huge success, bringing many of Karen’s friends together to celebrate her life, and also to raise money for the foundation. More than 100 people came to the event, with over $10,000 being raised. 2015’s event is already penciled in for March 14th!

Throughout the year, the Southern branch has worked to help our community and families at need. Some of the work includes:

• The Garcia Family of Lansing Michigan – Steve Garcia (a neighbor of The Keane Foundation Supporter Michelle and Aaron Smith) was diagnosed with ALS in August 2014. With the help of many volunteers in his community (known as “Team Garcia”), Steve’s home was modified to accommodate his condition. The Keane Foundation was happy to provide the family with a mechanical lift chair to help make conserve Steve’s energy. The chair was delivered in November, and the family was most appreciative (insert picture)
• Supporting “Forever We”  through there “adopt a hospital” program – The Keane Foundation in conjunction with Michelle Foster “adopted” Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, providing 50 specially designed dolls fore girls with cancer. Kirk Smith and Michelle personally met some of the children who have received dolls and were overcome with emotions.

The Philadelphia branch of The Keane Foundation also did some great things this past year. In July, we held “The Waterslide Family Bash” in Ocean City that raised over 17,000! With these funds, several Philadelphia Area Families have been supported, including:

• The Koreck Family – Along with the St. Mary Magdalen football team, funds were raised and distributed to help in Claire’s progress.
• The Wilson Family – support from the foundation has helped with daughter Ella’s struggles with neurofibromatosis.
• The Wusinich Family – support from the foundation has helped as their father experiencing a sudden impairment leaving him unable to work.

All told, the Keane Foundation has distributed over half of the money raised in 2014, and are looking for more ways to help in 2015. Our goal is to give the majority of money away before our next fundraising events in the spring and summer of this coming year. If you know of a family that is going through a crises and could use a little help, please contact us or nominate a recipient.

God Bless, and Happy Holidays,

Kirk Smith – Board Member – The Keane Foundation

PS – If anyone is interested in a copy of Karen’s book, “Growing my Soul”, please contact me and I will send one out to you (They sell for $15/book).