KIDS INITIATIVE INC

In 2005 Cat decided she wanted to make her humanitarian efforts global. She organized her first Kenya Mission Benefit Concert, a concert featuring local bands so inspired by her vision, that they, along with other organizations and individuals, donated time, energy and auction prizes to help send her to Kenya.  This event raised over $2,500.00. Once in Kenya, Cat worked in four HIV/AIDS clinics in local slums, monitoring nutrition and medication intake as well as administering massages and stretching if needed. Upon her return Cat was overwhelmed by the interest that several schools and organizations expressed in regards to the HIV/AIDS epidemic and her experience.  She then started booking speaking engagements and has spoken with local media as well as local organizations, elementary and secondary schools, universities, and conferences.  
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Cat’s second Kenya Mission Benefit Concert on New Year’s Eve December 31st, 2007, had local bands, organizations, and individuals donate their time and energy yet again to help send her to Kenya for the second time.  This event now raising over $2,600.00. She held two additional fundraisers up until her departure January 2009, including a Spring Benefit Concert (raising over $2,800.00) and another New Years Eve Fundraising Event (raising over $2,700.00).  When in Kenya she volunteered in Kibera’s School of Hope teaching all subjects including general life skills: conflict resolution, health, sanitation, study skills, as well as extracurricular activities. Through her fundraising events for this trip she raised enough money to supply the Kibera School of Hope with much needed text books for every subject, as well as supplying Kibera’s Ushrika Clinic with a large shipment of basic medical supplies. 
 
Cat had also acted as a sponsor for two boys in the Dominican Republic through Children International. It was important for her to make a difference in their lives by having their basic needs met. After approximately seven years, their families became self-sufficient. Cat made the tough decision at that point to make the change from acting as a sponsor to become a Global Parent by supporting an entire community and several children.
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Continuing with Cat’s motivation to help those in need, she became an active volunteer with Siloam Mission a local humanitarian agency offering programs and services to those experiencing homelessness.  Cat organizes groups of volunteers to take on the responsibilities of prepping and executing dinner at Siloam, as well as cleaning the facility post dinner.  
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To finish off years of impressive non-stop commitments, Cat used her seemingly endless energy to continue her philanthropic efforts by throwing fundraising dinners for a global campaign. “Eat So They Can” invites people to participate in one huge dinner party; where sharing a meal with friends can help stop child poverty in Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, and South Africa. Cat has taken part in every Eat So They Can campaign since it started, and plans to continue to raise funds for this campaign every year to follow.   Also, due to Cat’s known abilities to plan and execute exceptional events, she has been contacted by several individuals/organizations looking for event management, volunteer management, and raising funds for amazing causes.  
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March 2010 kicks off the beginning of Cat Ross' & Andrea Pratt's newly formed organization K.I.D.S. (Kenya Initiative for Development & Sustainability).  This organization works towards building children’s futures globally while inspiring children locally.  This is achieved by raising funds locally to support programs and to enhance the quality of life for those living in Kenya.  
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Her commitment to those in need will continue to remain endless.
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“I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do. - Helen Keller

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Written by: Crystal Kirby-Peloquin & Mae Ross