• Kids in Our Dugout
• Program Description

As a professional athlete, Kevin is often referred to as a hero. While he strives to be an athletic role model, Kevin recognizes that the true heroes of our world are those courageous individuals who give selflessly to serve our country or help another and in doing so lose their life. Kevin is not alone in this recognition. Beginning in 2011, he partnered with Ray Allen from the Celtics, Shawn Thornton from the Bruins, Wes Welker from the Patriots, and Taylor Twellman from the Revolution to support the children of these fallen or severely injured heroes with the Athletes for Heroes program. With the goals of increasing confidence, instilling pride and providing an opportunity to experience the camaraderie and companionship of being a member of a team, this new arm of Youk’s Kids will fund team activities and provide academic support services for children who have lost a parent while in the line of duty or while saving the life of another.

Our Heroes...

include anyone who has perished or been severely injured while saving another. They include military servicemen and women, firefighters, police officers, and ordinary citizens who risk their life to save another.

At Youk’s Kids we believe providing the funding for these children to participate in the following activities will give them the necessary skills to determine their future in light of their personal tragedy.

Team Programs and Activities

Whether through a sports team or an arts program, participating in a team or group activity provides structure and positive role models to children. These activities teach perseverance and allow children to develop a strong sense of focus and concentration. They challenge children to develop the skills necessary for handling pressure and coping with both success and failure. Through team activities children learn to work cooperatively toward a common goal and more importantly, gain lasting friendships, and a sense of belonging.

Academic Programs

Research overwhelmingly indicates that parental involvement positively affects student achievement and that a child who loses a parent or whose parent is severely injured is at greater risk academically. Youk’s Kids recognizes the challenges these children face and strives to not only support them with remedial services such as tutoring and SAT courses but nurture their academic growth by funding opportunities for academic enrichment with specialty camps and classes.

Exceptional Experiences

Kevin and his fellow athletes also want to honor these children by providing experiences that might otherwise not be available to them. Throughout the year, Youk’s Kids will organize opportunities for the children of our fallen heroes to not only interact with professional athletes but to come together as a group and share experiences. Whether it is a bowling party, attendance at a game or a holiday extravaganza, Youk’s Kids will work with our partners to create memorable days for the children.

ATHLETE QUOTES:

Kevin Youkilis, Boston Red Sox

“As an athlete, I am often deemed a hero when I hit a walk-off homerun but in truth the real heroes are those who unselfishly step up to make our lives safer or who guarantee our freedom. Sometimes, they end up sacrificing their lives for the betterment of others. It’s an honor for us to be able to help support their families in their time of need”

Wes Welker, New England Patriots

“We are known as the New England Football Patriots. But the real Patriots are the men and women who put their life on the line for our freedom on a daily basis!”

Shawn Thornton, Boston Bruins

“I am truly honored to be a part of Kevin's Athletes for Heroes program and have the opportunity to help children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. Their parents sacrificed their lives while serving their communities and their country and left many loved ones behind. Through Athletes for Heroes, we can give the financial and emotional support to these kids and their families that can make a positive difference in their lives and hopefully help them through these difficult times.”

Taylor Twellman, New England Revolution

“Playing professional soccer and scoring a goal does not make me a hero. It is a job. The real heroes are those who are out there fighting on a daily basis to make all of our lives better. This is the reason I chose to support Youk’s Kids and Athletes for Heroes. I am proud to be a part of this initiative supporting the true heroes in our world.”

Ray Allen, Boston Celtics

"Growing up on military bases my whole life, I realized that I was surrounded by heroes - soldiers and people in uniform that sacrificed themselves for the good of our country and the future of our nation.  These brave Americans did whatever it took to put themselves in harms way to protect our way of life. Those are our true heroes."