Lexington, Ky. – A generous contribution from the Coaches for the Kids foundation, bolstered by University of Kentucky football coach Will Stein, has pushed the total donation to Golisano Children’s Hospital at the University of Kentucky past the $1 million mark. The funds are earmarked to expand services for the roughly 8,000 children in Kentucky’s foster‑care system and the families who care for them.
Local leaders praise the impact
Tim Francis, a hospital spokesperson, said the gift will help ensure foster‑care children receive the compassionate care and resources they need during an incredibly difficult period of their lives. “This is an unbelievable hospital, an unbelievable cause, and it’s all for the kids,” Stein added, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to keep the program growing.
Dr. Scottie Day, vice president of children’s health for Golisano Children’s, highlighted the urgency of the need. “There are a lot of kids on hold waiting for somebody to help. The fact that there are 8,000 kids in foster care being able to support this program will be monumental,” Day said, noting that Coach Stein’s public endorsement reinforces the message that every child matters.
Looking ahead to larger goals
Stein outlined an ambitious target for the coming year: “We’re at $1.35 million. How do we get this to $2 million next year to keep this thing rising? It’s going to take everybody.” The coach’s call to action reflects the foundation’s broader mission to rally community partners, businesses, and volunteers around the cause.
Since its inception 20 years ago, Coaches for the Kids has raised more than $9 million for children across the Commonwealth. The organization also helped establish a Vice Chair of Strategy and Population Health at the hospital, a role dedicated to advancing health equity and access to pediatric care throughout Kentucky.
Community response
Local residents and donors have responded positively, describing the partnership as a vivid example of Kentucky’s tradition of stepping up when a need arises. “One of the greatest things about being in Kentucky is to see how people see something that bothers them, step up and do something about it,” Dr. Day said.
The donation arrives at a time when foster‑care children face heightened challenges, including limited access to stable housing, education, and health services. By expanding hospital resources, the gift aims to provide more comprehensive medical care, mental‑health support, and family‑centered services.
How the community can help
Hospital officials encourage continued community involvement. Volunteers, local businesses, and faith‑based groups are invited to contribute time, funds, or in‑kind donations to sustain and grow the program. The foundation plans a series of outreach events later this year, featuring appearances by Coach Stein and other university athletes, to keep public awareness high.
As the initiative moves forward, the partnership between Golisano Children’s Hospital, Coaches for the Kids, and the broader Kentucky community underscores a shared commitment to protect and nurture the most vulnerable children, reinforcing the state’s long‑standing values of family, faith, and individual liberty.
Original reporting: LEX18 Lexington (local) — read the source article.
