Fundraising for a nonprofit organization can look like many things, but for one man, it looks like a goat. Steve Wescott and his goat, named Leeroy Brown, are on a multi-year cross-country journey to raise awareness and funds for Uzima Outreach, a nonprofit organization located 9,000 miles away, in Nairobi, Kenya. And on Monday, Aug. 31, Steve and LeeRoy will be visiting the Devou Park campus of Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky.
“CHNK is happy to welcome Steve and his traveling goat-companion LeeRoy Brown onto campus and help them in their quest to bring attention to the needs of orphans in Kenya,” shares Rick Wurth, CHNK chief executive officer. “Their efforts to also impact adult addiction in that nation specifically addresses why so many vulnerable children experience abuse, neglect, and other at-risk behaviors.”
The duo’s trek began in 2012 at the base of the Space Needle in Seattle, Washington. Steve and LeeRoy have since walked through over eight states, currently finding themselves in the Greater Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky area. Steve will share his story with staff and residents of CHNK beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. Just prior to his departure at 6 p.m., CHNK will be presenting Steve with a check to support his fundraising efforts on behalf of Uzima Outreach. Individuals from the wider community are also welcome to attend the event.
“CHNK is committed to building bridges to better futures – not only locally, but with like-minded organizations around the globe,” explains Wurth. “Our partnership with Steve’s organization will result in people thousands of miles from Northern Kentucky experiencing opportunity and hope for better lives. We’re humbled to be a small part of this movement.”
After departing the tri-state area, Steve and LeeRoy will continue their journey east, with a final destination of New York City’s Times Square. Their progress and adventures can be accessed on social media via the handle needle2square.
Founded in 1882, Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky operates three campuses – one in Burlington and two in Covington. CHNK carries out its mission to be a community leader providing children and families with opportunity and hope for better lives by taking a family-centered, holistic approach to behavioral health and substance use treatment services for abused, neglected, and at-risk youth. Last year, the home impacted over 700 youth and families in more than 30 counties across the Commonwealth. CHNK is a member of the Children’s Alliance, Kentucky’s voice for at-risk children and families.
From CHNK