KC Cares Nonprofit Interviews

NFL legend Will Shields returns to KC Cares to celebrate ten years of My Cause My Cleats. What started as a simple idea — customizing cleats to highlight causes — has evolved into a powerful storytelling platform for players, fans, and nonprofits. Joined by Kansas City Chiefs players, the episode reveals the personal stories behind the designs: mental health advocacy, childhood cancer, and grief support. Together, they show how football can create change that lasts far beyond the field.

https://kccaresonline.org/my-cause-my-cleats-nfl-players/

On this episode of KC Cares we talk with Stan Hays, founder of Operation BBQ Relief. When a devastating tornado hit Joplin, Missouri, pitmaster Stan Hays answered the call the only way he knew how—with barbecue. That moment lit the flame for Operation BBQ Relief, a nonprofit now serving hundreds of thousands in times of crisis. In this KC Cares interview, Stan shares the emotional roots of OBR, the gaps it fills in disaster relief, and how barbecue became therapy through Camp OBR. It's not just about food—it's about connection, comfort, and showing up when it matters most.

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Name: Stan Hayes

Title: Co-Founder & CEO

Organization: Operation BBQ Relief

Website: https://obr.org

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What Questions are answered?

1. What is Operation BBQ Relief?

2. How did Operation BBQ Relief start?

3. What is Camp OBR?

4. How can I volunteer with Operation BBQ Relief?

5. Is Operation BBQ Relief active outside of disasters?

In this Ask the Expert episode, we sit down with Dr. Thomas Vansaghi from UMKC's Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership to unpack the critical need for rainy day funds in nonprofit operations. From weathering revenue disruptions to boosting donor trust, Dr. Vansaghi lays out practical steps to start, structure, and sustain a reserve fund. Whether you're a seasoned ED or a scrappy startup, this conversation offers must-hear insights on long-term nonprofit sustainability.

1. What is a rainy day fund in a nonprofit?

2. How much should a nonprofit keep in a reserve fund?

3. Is a rainy day fund the same as an endowment?

4. Can donors fund a rainy day fund?

5. What are examples of earned income for nonprofits?

On this episode of KC Cares, Kansas City's Nonprofit Voice:

Derrick Johnson, the Kansas City Chiefs' all-time leading tackler, has carried his drive from the field into philanthropy. In this KC Cares interview, he shares how his Defend the Dream Foundation transforms school libraries in low-income communities, giving kids access to age-appropriate books and bright, inviting spaces to read. He also discusses his new children's book, Super DJ Saves Field Day, co-written with his wife, which encourages kids to discover their inner strength and values.

Find out more at kccaresonline.org

Join KC Cares as we talk with Chris Rosson, CEO and President of the United Way of Greater Kansas City! The United Ways mission has always been to mobilize our city's collective generosity, because we know there's strength in numbers. They work together with hundreds of nonprofits across our six-county region and help 1 in 3 Kansas Citians gain access to health, education and financial resources. United Way connects those who want to be catalysts for change with causes that change our community for the better. The Waymakers make this possible. Listen or watch the webcast here --> Click Here

The DeBruce Foundation is a national nonprofit foundation based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Foundation's mission is to expand pathways to economic growth and opportunity.

visit them here: debruce.org

The Mission Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enabling capable adults with developmental disabilities, such as autism and Down syndrome, to live full and satisfying lives. The Mission Project provides a safe, supportive community where participants have numerous opportunities for growth.

themissionproject.org

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Twitter: @kccaresradio

Instagram: @Kccaresonline

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Also available on

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KC Cares, Kansas City's nonprofit voice, tells the stories of Kansas City nonprofits and connects them with the community.

Produced by Charitable Communications

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In partnership with:

Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

Take risks. Own success. Be Uncommon.

TW: @kauffmanfdn FB: @kauffmanfdn IG: @kauffmanfdn

MARC is a nonprofit association of city and county governments and the metropolitan planning organization for the bistate Kansas City region. Governed by a Board of Directors made up of local elected officials, we serve nine counties and 119 cities.

marc.org

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Find us on

Facebook:@ Kccaresradio

Twitter: @kccaresradio

Instagram: @Kccaresonline

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Also available on

Itunes || Spotify || Stitcher || Soundcloud || Youtube

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

KC Cares, Kansas City's nonprofit voice, tells the stories of Kansas City nonprofits and connects them with the community.

Produced by Charitable Communications

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

In partnership with:

Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

Take risks. Own success. Be Uncommon.

TW: @kauffmanfdn FB: @kauffmanfdn IG: @kauffmanfdn

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society exists because there are people with MS. Our vision is a world free of MS. Everything we do is focused so that people affected by MS can live their best lives as we stop MS in its tracks, restore what has been lost and end MS forever.

www.MSmidamerica.org

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Find us on

Facebook:@ Kccaresradio

Twitter: @kccaresradio

Instagram: @Kccaresonline

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Also available on

Itunes || Spotify || Stitcher || Soundcloud || Youtube

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

KC Cares, Kansas City's nonprofit voice, tells the stories of Kansas City nonprofits and connects them with the community.

Produced by Charitable Communications

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

In partnership with:

Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

Take risks. Own success. Be Uncommon.

TW: @kauffmanfdn FB: @kauffmanfdn IG: @kauffmanfdn