Kind Like Joey Foundation
In November of 2018, our community representative Jenny, saw a post on Facebook asking if someone could make car magnets for #KindnessWins. This was the beginning of a wonderful relationship between Peregrine Associates and the Kind Like Joey Foundation.
The Kind Like Joey (KLJ) Foundation was started to honor Joey Edwards who was tragically killed in an accident on October 13, 2018. Joey was known for his unending displays of kindness towards others and the foundation continues his legacy by awarding scholarships, providing financial assistance and hosting a bereavement group. We were so pleased to be part of supporting KLJ and helping them build the foundation that this first simple magnet has led to many other projects and opportunities for us to work together.
The first big fundraiser for KLJ was the May 2019 Golf Outing which was a huge success. Some of the projects that we were able to help with were supplying participants with custom imprinted sports packs that held golf tees, golf balls and a golf towel. For the actual event, we printed a “step and repeat” backdrop for photo ops as well as banners and flags to help celebrate the event. Coroplast hole sponsorship signs were also created. T-shirts were silkscreened with the KLJ logo and event sponsors as well as special shirts for the many volunteers who helped make this event successful.
Before we knew it, it was time to start planning for the October 2019 5K which would also be a huge success even when the weather didn’t cooperate. The first thing that we started on was creating a custom medal for the winners. This was tons of fun and we think it turned out great. Next we developed sublimated custom lanyards for the beautiful medals to hang on. T-shirts were designed and printed for all participants and, of course, we printed all of the flyers, signs and banners.
Having a display table with a custom table cover that would hold trifold brochures which we created as well as some free give-a-ways such as pens, magnets, and stadium cups would help KLJ promote its “kindness”. We also created some great embroidered polo shirts for “staff” to wear at these educational events. A "mini" pop up banner tells the story of Joey to those who are new to the organization.
2020 arrived along with the Covid-19 virus and the two big fundraising events were cancelled. That didn’t stop the KLJ foundation and we were happy to help them come up with some “sale” items that they could provide in “pop-up” stores.
In addition to planning events, Peregrine wanted to help KLJ educate people about who Joey was and what the Foundation will do for our community.
Keep an eye out on facebook for announcements of these pop up stores where you can get embroidered baseball caps, keychains, winter beanies and scarves, as well as KLJ socks.
Now in 2021 as things are returning to normal. We have added a few things to the "pop-up" stores such as insulated water bottles, stemless wineglasses and cobalt ceramic mugs. The 2021 5K was held virtually with some cool t-shirts and medals for the first 100 to sign up.
The second annual golf outing held in October 2021 was the biggest success ever. I was so excited to be able to spend some time volunteering at the golf banquet and have already asked for the full day off for next year's golf outing which is scheduled for September 9, 2022.....oops, I'm getting ahead of myself there.
So, back to the actual golf outing and the fun stuff that we were able to provide for the event. This year we did a 12 oz. travel cup with double-wall stainless steel, vacuum copper insulation, drawstring bag, and the first KLJ Poker Chip. We also did the signage, print materials, volunteer of the year plaque and some other repeat items.
Right after the golf outing, the KLJ foundation went into full swing celebrating what would have been Joey's senior year. Central Bucks South has named Joey an honorary Titan and a special celebration was held at the October 29 football game. We created a special banner that all of the football players signed and presented to the Edwards family at the game. Peregrine was also asked to help deck the stands with KLJ gear in the traditional white and blue school colors. Sweatshirt, t-shirts, rally towels, and cheer fingers graced the stands. Special football and helmet shaped magnets and helmet stickers were also seen throughout the school and being sported by the team. (photos to come soon).
We are currently working on a special winter clothing item for KLJ with a brand new design.
We are looking forward to what next year holds in store for both KLJ and Peregrine as we move forward hand in hand to spread the kindness of “KindLikeJoey”.
For more information on the KLJ Foundation, please visit KindLikeJoey.org.
Oops, I almost forgot two other forms of recognition that we were able to supply….plaques for sponsors and volunteer of the year and these great stickers that teachers are giving to students that display the kindness of Joey.