Kevin and Betty Lee, the owners of the Happy Jacks restaurant in Asheville, are donating 200 basketballs from their charity Kevi Bears Kids to Eblen Charities for the local Christmas toy drive.
“I started my charity Kevi Bears Kids because as a child I was hungry but when I played sports I would forget about my hunger,” said Kevin Lee, owner of Happy Jacks.
Kevin Lee and Kevi Bear Kids have been providing balls to children for nine years. “It started when I was visiting Ecuador and God put it on my heart to give soccer balls away,” remembered Lee. “I only had fifty dollars, but it was enough for eight balls and one doll. The first child I gave a ball to changed my life forever.”
From modest beginnings the personal mission has grown. This past march, Kevi Bears Kids gifted 2,400 balls and dolls to children in Ecuador. In 2017, the charity plans to help 1,000 kids each in Ecuador and Haiti.
“I would challenge you to give a ball to a kid who needs one. You’ll never be the same after,” encouraged Lee.
Tax deductible donations may be made out to: Kevi Bear Kids, or delievered to Happy Jack’s during restaraunt hours at 84 Mineral Springs Road; Asheville, NC 28805.