Budd Bell, founder and Board Member Emeritus of Kids Incorporated, died at age 94 on October 16, 2009 in Tallahassee.  Known to fellow Board Members and staff as the "conscience" of Kids Incorporated, she leaves behind a lifetime of accomplishments and a lasting legacy as a champion for children and their families. 

Budd's daughter and son-in-law, Bonnie Bell and David Todd, have developed the following offering: 

"As many of you know, two of Mom's favorite things were Kids Incorporated and the color purple.  In honor of her memory, we have created a set of six beautiful notecards.  These cards come six in a package, with envelopes, for $24 (plus tax).  They make wonderful gifts - for yourself and your loved ones.  Every sale benefits Kids Incorporated and keeps Mom's memory alive in our hearts.  The cards will be sold at the Kids Incorporated offices and centers.  The images are photo-collages composed of flowers and waterscapes from the Big Bend area." 

On the back of each card the elements are identified, and each features the following message:

"This card is one of the Spirit of Compassion series

Dedicated to the memory of Bess "Budd" Bell June 16, 1915 - October 16, 2009

May her love of beauty and love of people shine on

A portion of the proceeds benefit the Budd Bell Early Learning Endowment Fund for Kids Incorporated of the Big Bend.' 

The images of the six note cards are below.  Checks should be made payable to Bell and Todd.  For more information contact Judie at Kids Incorporated at 850.414.9800, ext. 104 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
 

Thanks to everyone who helped make the holidays brighter for 99 children and their families!  The Kids Incorporated Holiday Happiness Project was a grand success and we couldn't have done it without the help of many people and organizations.  To everyone who "adopted" a family or a family member - a special thank you!  You made it possible! 

Special thanks to Aramark, who adopted a large number of families and did a terrific job shopping and making wishes come true!  Thanks, also to Florida Commerce Credit Union, who not only adopted children, but also for staff members who volunteered and helped unload and load bags of gifts. 

We also are grateful to First Florida Credit Union for their continued support in adopting children and to Radey Thomas Yon and Clark, who always do a great job decorating the bags of gifts - who knew garbage bags could look so festive?!!! 

Family members picking up the bags of gifts (and the many bikes!), were delighted at the generosity of our community, especially during these hard economic times.  Teachers and Family Advocates in our centers have told us that families adopted for this project were so grateful their children were able to receive the clothes, educational items and toys they otherwise would not have received.  They indicated there were delighted children as they opened their gifts!

Thank you Tallahassee, for opening up your hearts!  You made a difference in a child's life and created some special family memories!

Saturday, May 1, 2010

North Florida Fairgrounds

10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

For more information about sponsorship, exhibitor and entertainment opportunities, please visit:

http://www.kidsincorporated.org/events.html