On Giving Tuesday, Michiana charities look back on charitable impact made by the Kelly Cares Foundation

 

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Brian Kelly's legacy at Notre Dame was undeniable as their winningest coach, but off the field, he and his wife Pacqui's legacy will be for their charitable impact in Michiana and beyond.

Brian and Pacqui Kelly started the foundation in 2007, originally as the Brian Kelly Family Foundation, which was later renamed the Kelly Cares Foundation in 2009, when the family came to South Bend. 

To date, the foundation has raised over $5 million for nearly two-hundred charities world wide-- and making an impact here in Michiana, supporting the Ronald McDonald House Charities, sponsoring their new building in downtown South Bend. 

“Kelly Cares Foundation has been great to RMHC Michiana," said Kierstin Miller, with the Ronald McDonald House. "“They actually sponsored the room we’re standing in right now, which is a place where families of sick and injured children ages 21 and younger can come and relax, watch TV and get a little respite away from the hospital.”

The foundation also made yearly contributions to the charity, providing food and toys to children and their family members at Beacon Children's Hospital.

The Kellys also partnered with St. Joseph Health System to establish the Pacqui and Brian Kelly Comprehensive Breast Center in Mishawaka. 

Dr. Genevive Lankowicz, with the St. Joseph Health System, released this statement about their departure:

“Saint Joseph Health System and the Kelly Cares Foundation partnered to create the Paqui and Brian Kelly Comprehensive Breast Center to provide a better breast care experience. We are committed to providing the best comprehensive breast care experience in Northern Indiana. We also want to thank the Kellys for their contributions to our community and we wish them well.”

And on Giving Tuesday, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Michiana want to remember that it's organizations like the Kelly Cares Foundation, and the generous donations from the public, that help them continue to offer their services.

“We truly are funded by this community right here in Michiana and they keep our doors open every single year, by their donations," said Miller. "It helps us, again, keep our families close, which is what our mission is.”

We have reached out to the Kelly Cares Foundation to see if the Kellys departure will affect the work being done here locally-- and we have yet to get a response.