Nation of Heroes Episode 5

About this Episode

Wayne talks to Corey about graduating from Pattonville High School in 1968 and joined the military and ended up in Vietnam in 1969. Became a Sargent. He was discharged in 1971 and went to work for his brother Ralph at his remodeling company. Ralph was involved in a lot of charitable work particularly working with veterans and their families.

Ralph dies in 1990 and people asked Wayne if he might take over his brother’s charitable work?

He started the Kaufman Fund by first by having a golf tournament with 10% of the proceeds going into charitable funding to honor his brother, Ralph. The annual golf tournament grew to be their biggest fund raiser.

After helping various charitable nonprofits, he decided to form a 501c3 nonprofit around 2013. His goals with the nonprofit was to help veterans who slipped through the cracks of the Veterans Administration medical and dental care. So, the Kaufman Fund formed affiliations with various local dental schools to get veterans’ dental care.

He's shocked at the number of women involved in the military today versus when he joined in 1968 or even since he got out of the Army in 1971.

Wayne talked about how much he appreciates the friendships he developed in the military….sometimes wishes he would have stayed in for 17-more years for the retirement benefits.

He then talks about what he’d like to see happen with the VA besides the dental care, the Kaufman Fund also developed relationships with over 50-area lawyers to provide free legal help for veterans. Every December, the Fund gives away 300 free Christmas trees to veterans’ families who register on line at www.thekaufmanfund.org.

Wayne goes on to explain that the Kaufman Fund for 30-years is comprised of all volunteers who work out of their homes. Full volunteer organization which allows them to devote $.90(cents) of every dollar donated.

The Kaufman Fund is also partnered up with the VA for mental health services for Vets. Every other month they a giveaway enough groceries for 7-to-10 days for a family of four via their “Food for Vets” program to needy Veterans families upwards of 400 people donated through Operation Food Search.

Food disparity for veterans is a big issue due to inflation and higher food costs. They receive calls daily for rent money, electric bills, etc. They work by giving grant money designated to veterans through other organizations. They are not set up to give out money directly to veterans, so they work through existing organizations via grants to those organizations.

KF is affiliated with 8-agencies for free mental health services for veterans and their families picking up where the VA leaves off.

Every November the KFund gives away hats, coats, and socks via St. Patrick’s Center for veterans and their families. It’s all new clothing. There are approximately 40,000 veterans in the U.S. that are homeless and 22 veterans a day committing suicide.

What advice would Wayne give to new organizations starting out? First, you need a lot of passion for service. 1) need volunteers-they have hundreds. 2)you got to raise money to run the free programs for veterans. Any surplus they have after funding their own programs they donate to other veterans’-help organizations. The KFund is like the United Way for Veterans in the St. Louis area.

Wayne then talks about their future goals for the organization. They are looking to bring young people into their organization. Almost all such veterans’ clubs and organizations are ageing out. So, they are working on recruiting younger volunteers. The problems are indicative of how to reach younger people, young couples, where both the wife and husbands work. Plus, the desire to socialize isn’t there with the young people because of technology.

Wayne talks about #1 goal is to get the Kaufman Fund name out there to help more veterans. The VA calls the KFund for help. Veterans can navigate through the website, thekaufamnfund.org to volunteer, donate or for social services.

The Kaufman Fund, a 501 (c)3 non-profit supports St Louis area Veterans and children who are at risk of abuse or poverty, needing food, shelter, clothing, medical care and basic needs. Since 1990, we have helped raise and distribute over $2 million.

Address:
The Kaufman Fund 9506 Olive Blvd Suite #250 Olivette, Mo 63132
Phone: (314) 202-2164
Email: [email protected]