Community

Kendall's Kindness 2023 Scholarship Recipient

Hi I’m Taylor Briar! I’m honored to be chosen as the very first recipient of the Kendall’s Kindness scholarship. I have danced competitively for 15 years and am currently attending Chapman University and plan to graduate with a BA in Dance in the spring of 2027. Getting to know Kendall’s family has been a pleasure and I’m so very thankful that they chose me to be the first recipient of the Kendall’s Kindness Scholarship!

“Dear Maffia Family,
I am very honored and grateful to have been awarded the Kendall’s Kindness Scholarship. The more I read and learn about Kendall and her journey, the more thankful I am to be given this particular scholarship. People describe Kendall as talented, kind, thoughtful and other very positive attributes. To be hand picked by Kendall’s family as someone they think resembles Kendall’s character is something I am very flattered by.
This scholarship is going to help aid me as I further my education to become a professional dancer. I am attending Chapman University this fall which is a private school. I will be using this scholarship to help pay the tuition to lessen my amount of student loans. I am so very grateful. Thank you.
Forever Grateful, Taylor Briar”

Apply for a Scholarship

The scholarship application for the 2024-25 school year will open October 30 through mid-January. The deadline will be announced in the upcoming months due to changes in this year’s FAFSA. Applicants may access the Scholarship Portal at any time.

Community Involvement

There are tons of local programs and events happening in our community, and we are so thankful!

"Being kind is easy, but often overlooked in our busy everyday lives, yet it makes such a difference.”

Boys and Girls Club partners with Kendall’s Kindness to encourage our members to go out of their way to be kind to someone else. Kendall’s Kindness provides the Club with resources that help uphold Kendall’s legacy. We honor that legacy on the 12th of each month by encouraging random acts of kindness and reminding those around us not to overlook the small things, like smiling at someone in the hallway or calling to check up on a friend.

St. Charles East Hope week April 17th -21st, 2023.

Approximately 2,100 students wearing Hope T-Shirts displayed with Kendall’s Kindness & Kayla’s Hope logos.

"Kendall taught me everything I knew in track and I always looked up to her in art. If it weren't for her showing me they’re aren't any boundaries between the art community, sports, and being yourself, I wouldn’t be who I am today!"

"Kendall was a beautiful gift to those who met her. Through Kendall’s Kindness you have honored her with such honesty & beauty & love- her legacy will remind people that kindness matters most."

"Every butterfly I see steals a moment out of my day to remember Kendall Marie."

"Kendall’s smile let out a ray of light that could be seen for miles. She was the kind of person that even in the wake of her sadness, would take on more by giving herself to those who needed her. The birth of Kendall’s Kindness keeps her spirit alive. Keep up the great work! She is so proud of you, as we are."

"Kendall’s Kindness is amazing! Thank you for our honesty in sharing Kendall’s story with others. You are helping so many. I have made cookies and shared. You are so right, “Random Acts of Kindness Matter.” Especially in the world we are living in."

"I was rooting for her- loved her style, her thoughts, her self, the way she took up space in the world. Her eyes were piercing and she had a way of making you feel heard, known, loved when in her presence, physical or otherwise."

"Kendall continues to reach so many people through your family’s willingness to be vulnerable. Thank you for sharing all of her with us."

"Thank you for creating Kendall’s Kindness, you are making a difference."