Dave Krache Foundation Celebrates 10 Years Helping Kids Play Sports

MARIETTA, GA – The Dave Krache Foundation will observe its 10th anniversary of serving metro Atlanta families on Jan. 31.

The non-profit was founded by Allison Krache Giddens in 2013 to honor her late father, Dave Krache, who was a businessman, civic leader, and sports fan.

“Dad loved sports on every level. If he wasn’t watching me or my sister play softball or basketball, he was at a stadium or watching baseball, football or hockey on TV,” said Executive Director Allison Giddens. But she adds that her father also wanted to help kids. “He was the kind of guy who would buy a kid’s team jacket if her family couldn’t afford it. That’s the spirit we built this organization on.”

The DKF helps kids play sports by paying their fees when their families have fallen on tough times. To date, the foundation has helped more than 1,150 kids throughout metro Atlanta play sports. Giddens says that recipients play almost every sport, from baseball and softball to football, basketball, soccer, martial arts and more. The foundation is funded through donations from family, friends, and the public.

The Foundation introduced its new Board of Directors at its kick-off meeting on January 24.

The new board includes both returning and new directors, including Mike Zarrilli, Dennette Thornton, Scott McNally, Lindsay Gardner, Matt Giddens, Allison Giddens, Corey Ferguson, Chris Thomas, Carey Merritt, Fran Friedrich, Sheena Hatcher, Jessica Lee, and Donna Krache.

“We’re very fortunate to have this incredible group of individuals to help us extend our reach into the community and find the families that need us,” said Allison Giddens. “Each of our board members is an accomplished community leader who is dedicated to making metro Atlanta a great place to live.”

Families in need apply for assistance via the Dave Krache Foundation website by filling out a confidential form. The family contacts a coach, social worker, or teacher to fill out a form that verifies the family’s situation. A representative of the league or school where the child wishes to play completes a separate form so that funds can be send to that organization on the child’s behalf.

The Dave Krache Foundation also awards one-time grants to local non-profit sports programs with specific needs. Last year, for example, the foundation donated money to the Osborne High School varsity football team because the team needed new helmets and was faced with turning kids away when they didn’t have enough.

“We all know the benefits of involvement in sports for both boys and girls. We look forward to helping more kids in the community reap these benefits as we help them play the sports they love,” said Giddens.

To learn more about the Dave Krache Foundation or to donate to its mission, visit the foundation’s website at https://davekrache.com.