Over the Christmas holidays, KYE-YAC International celebrated its first year of fundraising with a heartfelt concert by Kris Allen at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. The event highlighted the group’s donation of $10,000 to ACH. Founded by then 10-year-old Kye Masino in February 2009 to generate support for the needs of children, KYE-YAC International involves young people in philanthropy and promotes the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) of the Hot Springs Area Community Foundation.

KYE-YAC’s first year ended on a high note: vice president Peyton Rudisill designed a Facebook page for the group; the locally created website rose up just in time to link with Kris Allen’s online media and the release of his debut album, video, and single: “Live Like We’re Dying,” and area students joined to volunteer at both ArtBlast and Garvan Gardens. Governor Mike Beebe pronounced Kye and Kris “cultural ambassadors to the world” at the ACH event, while Kye concluded by quoting Mahatma Ghandi: “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Throughout 2009, donations large and small poured in from all over central Arkansas, thanks to collection stations provided by Simmons First Bank. Every year, KYE-YAC’s board, which includes co-founder (and noted philanthropist) Dorothy Morris, will choose a children’s charitable organization, raise funds, and then disburse those funds at the close of the year – just in time for the holidays!

The $10,000 donation to ACH will help fund programs in the Child Life and Education department, which addresses the emotional, social, educational and recreational needs of hospitalized children and adolescents. “Camp Wannaplay,” the site of Kris’s acoustic concert, impressed Kye and Peyton during a site visit last year to choose KYE-YAC’s 2009 fundraising project.

“I really believe all kids deserve a good life,” says Masino. “I want to do my part to make that happen, while encouraging my friends and others our age to do the same.”

Kris Allen told Peyton and Kye “You guys are awesome,” and described their effort as “inspiring.” When Kris received KYE-YAC’s gift of a piggy bank sculpted in the shape of the world, he was both surprised and humbled. Fellow Conway native Taylor Jo Conway, an 8-year-old volunteer with KYE-YAC, was excited to see her hometown’s talented hero. Everyone present was touched to learn from Kris that ACH held a special place in his heart – as a child, he was hospitalized due to a ruptured spleen and spent weeks recovering there. “It was a miracle,” said his mom, Kim Allen.

“Kye-Yac International is a groundbreaking organization with amazing leadership,” says Jennifer Forrest, ACH’s Volunteer Coordinator. “Even at such a young age, Kye and Peyton have set a standard in the world of philanthropy. Their support and dedication to the children at Arkansas Children’s Hospital should set an example for others in communities across the state.”

Those interested in following KYE-YAC International’s progress can find out more by visiting online at www.kyeyac.org. On Facebook, fellow KYE-YAC fans and members can be found by typing “kyeyac” into the search bar.