The Beginning of Something Bigger
From a single act of generosity to a movement rooted in community — this is how Kentucky Cares came to life.
Kentucky Cares was founded on a simple yet powerful belief: that meaningful change begins with compassion, and that philanthropy should be woven into everyday life.
What began in 2021 as a small holiday toy drive—resulting in the collection of thousands of toys for children in need—quickly grew into something far more impactful. Inspired by a shared commitment to service, Jeremy and Maggie Delk invited friends and partners to join them in supporting local families, creating an overwhelming outpouring of generosity.
Building on that momentum, the initiative evolved in 2022, when Justin Peterson joined the effort, helping transform a single-day initiative into a broader and more structured fundraiser. Over the following years, the annual holiday initiative expanded significantly, uniting individuals, families, and businesses around a shared purpose.
Including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Hoop Dreams, The Nest, Step by Step, and Dream Factory.
In 2026, Delk and Peterson partnered with Madison Carey, whose extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising strategy, and NIL partnerships introduced a new level of scale and vision. Together, they recognized an opportunity to build something enduring—a nonprofit organization designed to create year-round impact and broaden the scope of giving.
At its core, Kentucky Cares is a family-driven organization dedicated to supporting children, empowering women, and advancing animal welfare. Led by Jeremy and Maggie Delk and inspired by their four children, alongside Brittany and Justin Peterson and their four children, and Madison Carey and her family, the organization reflects a shared commitment to building a more compassionate, inclusive, and service-oriented community.
While the initiative began as a once-a-year holiday effort, Kentucky Cares is built on the belief that giving should not be seasonal—it should be continuous. Through monthly outreach initiatives, strategic partnerships with local and national charities, and hands-on service opportunities, the organization is committed to creating consistent, meaningful impact throughout the year.
Rooted in the belief that service should be accessible, engaging, and deeply meaningful, Kentucky Cares creates opportunities for individuals and families to give back together—fostering a culture where generosity is not occasional, but habitual.
Through strategic partnerships, community-driven initiatives, and hands-on involvement, Kentucky Cares seeks to elevate the standard of philanthropy—bringing together people, resources, and purpose to create lasting impact across Kentucky and beyond.
