One of the last home video's of Kyle was of him singing the words to For King and Country's song, "JOY". Kyle's family and friends felt like this was his literal last message to us. "And I choose joy. Let it move you, let it move you. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of night, Oh with you by my side, I'm stepping into the light. I choose joy! Let it move you, go let it move you." We choose to let LOVE continue to move us. #Smile4Kyle
THE SMILE 4 KYLE FOUNDATION
The Smile 4 Kyle Foundation exists to provide opportunities for children and their families to make happy memories through special events, community outreach and scholarships.
Read below for more information about who we are, our story, and the four pillars of the foundation.
UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES
TO SAVE A LIFE
To Save A Life sponsors kids for swimming lessons who may not be able to attend otherwise. Did you know that a leading cause of children's deaths in the United States is due to accidental drowning? No parent should ever have to bury a child, especially for something that is preventable. Not in our neighborhood. Not in our town. As far as it depends on us, we want to help provide the skills a child may need to survive if they accidentally fall into one of our lakes, rivers or canals. So we are doing what we can "To Save A Life" In the process of learning life saving skills, kinds are having fun, making happy memories, enjoying being outside, staying active and improving their overall health! Its a win-win!
See our facebook for scholarship application, fundraisers and more info.
INVESTING INTO OUR FUTURE
The Smile 4 Kyle Scholarship is given in memory of Kyle Lutey, a precious 10-year-old who loved people and wanted to make their lives better.
Scholarship Requirements:
Kyle was an avid musician and science enthusiast. This Scholarship is open to any student who plans to major in any field of science or music.
Preference will be given to ANY student attending college who can demonstrate a history of kindness towards the community.
Copy of transcript
300-500 word essay. Kyle is remembered as being very kind, helpful to others, encouraging, and always sharing a smile. He left behind a remarkable legacy at only 10 years old. What legacy have you left behind you - or what legacy do you hope to leave behind you in the future?
Three letters of recommendation; one from a teacher, one from a community member, one from an employer (if applicable), or a character reference.
Scholarship to be paid directly to the student's university/college. Students must mail a copy of their transcript after completing the first semester after which the funds will be sent directly to their school.
The award amount is $250-$2500; the amount will depend on the number of qualified applicants. There may be one larger scholarship given or several smaller scholarships given.
The recipient will be chosen by a scholarship review committee.
Scholarship packets + essay need to be returned to your Othello local high school by 4/22/22
BUY NOTHING BACK TO SCHOOL CLOTHING EXCHANGE
Buy Nothing Back To school Clothing Exchange is neighbors helping neighbors with those back to school expenses. This event will be held towards the end of summer (Tenative Dates August 4-6th) For every item donated, you will receive a ticket to "shop" for gently used kids clothing for your own kids. Every ticket is the payment for the "New to You" items. Have Items to donate? Keep them for this event!
We will need quite a few volunteers to make this successful. Day One: Volunteers will be inspecting items and distributing tickets and help sorting items that come in. (6-10 people) Day Two: Organizing the items for the next day buy nothing event for shoppers. (8-12 people) Day Three: Assist Shoppers, collect tickets. (8 people) A crew of 4-6 people will be needed to take leftover items to donate to a charity and another small crew to help cleanup.
To volunteer, contact the Smile 4 Kyle Foundation. This event will be postponed if there are not enough volunteers to make it happen
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SHARING SMILES WITH KIDS IN FOSTER CARE
One of the pillars of the Smile 4 Kyle Foundation is to provide support to children and families in foster care. During the month of June, for Kyle's birthday, we will be donating and decorating these bags for local children in need of emergency foster care. Each bag will be decorated with the Smile 4 Kyle logo, and artwork from local students. Each bag comes with a cute snuggly teddy bear and a personal hygiene kit. If you would like to donate or have your kids help decorate a bag, you can contribute to the fun (and funds) by purchasing a bag at the link below and letting us know you would like to decorate it as well. (otherwise the decorating will be take care of for you). Deadline to contribute is May 14th, decorating will be done the early June.
https://fundraise.togetherwerise.org/campaign/smile-4-kyle-foundation-supports-foster-kids/
CONTACT SMILE 4 KYLE:
WHO WE ARE
The Smile 4 Kyle Foundation was founded in memory of Kyle Lutey, a 10-year-old boy who never met a stranger and always met life with enthusiasm and gusto. Kyle left a remarkable imprint on those he left behind, and our goal is to honor his life through action and service to others.
THE FOUR PILLARS OF THE FOUNDATION ARE:
1. Creating opportunities for children and families for recreation, enjoyment, learning and adventure.
2. Providing opportunities for youth with scholarships for the activities they have an interest in, such as swim lessons, athletic teams, camps, musical instrument rental - we want to partner with students to make their hopes and dreams come true.
3. Providing support to children and families in the foster care system.
4. Building the William Kyle Lutey Memorial Auditorium in Othello with seating for all future local events- concerts, theatre, graduation, etc.
The Smile 4 Kyle foundation is a tribute to a young boy who spread love, joy and kindness everywhere he went, and is a call to action for all of us left behind to celebrate life, be intentional about building relationships, cultivate community, and to make the world a better place by leaving a legacy that can live for generations to come.
OUR STORY
On October 13, 2018, our life was shattered when we lost our beautiful son, Kyle. The Smile 4 Kyle Foundation began as a dream of two distraught parents within hours of learning of their 10-year-old son’s tragic and unexpected departure from this earth into heaven. Desperate for hope and something to cling to and a refusal to allow the bright light of their son to be extinguished - the dream for the Smile 4 Kyle Foundation was born.
Kyle loved people, his friends, and family and met life with such enthusiasm and gusto that it required action. This foundation is something remarkable to remember his life by. As a superhero enthusiast and a thriving young musician, Kyle left behind his brand new bassoon strap that he never even got to use. For his family, it was a heartbreaking visual representation of all the opportunities he would miss, and it cemented firmly in our hearts that no child should ever have to miss the opportunities they are eager for. Within just a few days, students in his hometown of Othello, WA came up with the hashtag #Smile4Kyle that spread throughout the community. Before his family could even hold Kyle’s celebration of life service, it was clear the name would be the Smile 4 Kyle Foundation.
(About the photo: Kyle was so excited to score a run and sliding into home base! May 2018)
"A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees."
Amelia Earhart
PAST EVENTS
FEBRUARY 13 - MARCH 13, 2021
February 13th Love In Action LIVE Kickoff Event with Food Drives the Mood on the Smile for Kyle Foundation FB Page!
Miles for Kyle Kickoff. Log in Your Miles or Minutes at this lihttps://forms.gle/n1xChTvdUhBde7Dn8
February 14-21 - Love In Action It's National Kindness Week! Self-care, get moving, schedule those health check-ups you’ve put off, Play hard, celebrate your beautiful life. Love Others and Love Yourself too! Continue to Log in Your Miles for Kyle Activities. Can we get 1000 miles or 1000 minutes this week? Can we get more than that?
February 20 - RESCHEDULED to Next Week, February 27th Love In Action Rock Hunt
February 22-28- Love in Action to Your Community. Show First Responders our appreciation! Care for those serving our community in Fire and Rescue, Law Enforcement, Medical, City/County Employees, small business owners, etc. This would be a great week to team up with friends for a community service project.
February 27 - RESCHEDULED DATE Love In Action Rock Hunt (weather permitting). Get Moving and get some fresh air looking for treasures! Rocks will be hidden between the outer boundaries of 14th Avenue, First Street, Hamlet Street, and Columbia Street. PRIZES given for Winning Rocks. Must be under 18 to claim. See the Smile 4 Kyle Foundation Page for more information.
March 1-6 - Love in Action to Clergy and School Employees! Custodians, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, paras, school nurses, secretaries, teachers, librarians, and administrators, and pastors of local churches.
March 7-13 - Love In Action to your Family! Love them well, and love them the best of all x 3000. Parents, Siblings, sons, daughters, grandparents, extended family, and yes...even the in-laws. And Don’t forget Fido! Get moving by taking your family dog out for a long walk.
March 13th - Love in Action Kindness Day! Bike, Hike, Walk or run a 5K . A map will be provided on the Smile 4 Kyle Foundation Fb Page, Website, and Instagram, or create your own. Do it in a day or over the course of the week if you need to! Just get moving with those you love best.
See website, fb page, or Instagram for more details on events or to support the Smile 4 Kyle Foundation’s fundraiser with the Love In Action Merch. Thank you for your support! #Smile4Kyle