MARBLEHEAD CHILDREN'S AUTHOR SHEILA DUNCAN TO LAUNCH THE KENNEK FOUNDATION TO PROMOTE COMPASSION FOR FAMILIES

Foundation to Honor Kenneth Duncan, “Old School” Philanthropist and Former Proprietor of Maddie’s Sail Loft

Sheila Duncan of Marblehead, co-creator of the huggable children’s character, Trouble The Dog, (www.troublethedog.net) will announce the launch of The Kennek Foundation (www.thekennekfoundation.org) to help children and families who are most vulnerable going through tough times.

The launch of The Kennek Foundation will take place at the Three Cod Tavern, 141 Pleasant Street in Marblehead on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at 3:00 PM. The Foundation is being formed in honor of Ms. Duncan’s father, Kenneth “Kenny” Duncan, well-known “old school” philanthropist and former proprietor of Maddie’s Sail Loft restaurant in Marblehead. Kenny Duncan was the type of person who would give “the shirt off his back” to someone in need…sending warm bread pudding or a hot toddy to a restaurant patron who was not feeling well and always supporting the community, the schools and the sports teams in town.

The entire community is invited to attend the launch party, particularly long-time patrons of Maddie’s and supporters of Trouble The Dog. Chip Percy, Proprietor of the Three Cod, will share stories about Kenny Duncan and the importance of gaining community support for The Kennek Foundation. The program will round out with remarks from Sheila Duncan about her journey to bring compassion to children and families across the country.

“I felt compelled to launch The Kennek Foundation because so many families have reached out to me, sharing their personal stories about the immediate comfort that Trouble The Dog has given to their child and from families that we’ve helped going through difficult times who needed hope and inspiration,” shared Ms. Duncan.

There will be two raffles. First prize is a $100.00 gift certificate to the Three Cod Tavern and a bottle of the newly introduced O’Brien’s Irish Vodka, (www.astraluna.com), an exclusive donation of a spirit not yet available for retail on the North Shore. Second prize is an ultimate gift package that contains a Trouble The Dog healing plush, an autographed copy of the children’s book, “Here’s Trouble,” a Trouble doghouse, original design donated by architect Robert Zarelli, and a beautiful silver-plated copper bangle bracelet with a “Hope” medallion.

A festive and lively event is planned as the Three Cod will introduce its newest cocktail, the “Irish Kenny” – O’Brien’s Irish Vodka on the rocks, in memory of Kenny Duncan. Come see some old friends from Maddie’s nostalgic days! For every Irish Kenny ordered and raffle ticket purchased, a donation will be made to The Kennek Foundation to help a child or family in need.

Special thanks to Eric Kane, of Kane DesignWorks, for the donation of the elegant design of The Kennek Foundation logo.

To donate to The Kennek Foundation’s mission of compassion for children and families, visit: www.thekennekfoundation.org. For more information about Trouble The Dog, contact Sheila Duncan: Sheiladuncan@verizon.net or visit: www.troublethedog.net

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About Trouble The Dog®
Trouble The Dog is 100% made in the USA – a keepsake toy with a big heart who comforts children experiencing “trouble” in their lives. Trouble has been applauded by CNN and MSNBC as a “socially conscious toy”; a “therapy dog”, and a “healing plush” and noted as a “comfort toy” by The Boston Herald.

Trouble The Dog® is on a mission of compassion to help kids going through troubling times, big or small. Co-created by Sheila Duncan and her niece, Trouble teaches children about hope and resilience. Trouble has soothed children around the world and can be found in Europe, Africa, China, Haiti and throughout the United States. The Kennek Foundation donates plush toys and books to children’s hospitals, shelters, various non-profits and to families after crises and natural disasters.

Ms. Duncan has been featured on CNN’s American Journey, MSNBC’s Your Business, North Shore Magazine’s Top Women Entrepreneurs, Martha Stewart’s “Made in America”, Magic 106.7’s Exceptional Women Entrepreneurs, Radio Entrepreneurs, Ladies Home Journal, and Success Magazine’s Seniorpreneurs. It is her mission to brand Trouble The Dog as a global symbol of hope.

For more information, contact Sheila Duncan: 781-631-0887 or Sheiladuncan@verizon.net. To help continue this mission of compassion for communities, visit www.thekennekfoundation.org.