Who We Are

The Whitney Young Children’s Foundation was founded in 2006, when our youngest child was hit and killed by a hit-and-run, drunk driver. Whitney loved kids and she had a special way with them. We decided to honor her memory by supporting children’s causes. The mission of the WYCF is to encourage children and young adults to triumph despite life's challenges and to dream, live, love and laugh in ways previously unimaginable.Our vision is to fulfill this mission by making grants to 501(c)(3) organizations who deliver services to challenged children and young adults, and in particular, poor and minority individuals and those with disabilities.

2021 Annual Report

This Foundation was born out of tragedy, but has given us much for which to be grateful:

  • Thanks to each of you, 2021 was also a record year for fundraising as 114 donors made gifts totaling an all-time high of $167,763.02. In addition, a longtime supporter surprised us with an amazing six-figure legacy gift which we will spend over the next few years.
  • For the deserving organizations that we have touched… in 2007, we gifted $18,900 and in 2021 an amazing $171,000!
  • As you can see from the 2021 recap, we made gifts to 32 very deserving organizations.

Marlene and Steve led MADD walks from 2007-2014. They spoke to their walkers and described their loss and the reality of both losing a child and the impact on the young man who made the decision to drink and drive and ultimately took Whitney's life. Last year and again in 2018, the Peninsula Chapter of National Charity League is leading the "NCL - Walk for Whitney" team at the Los Angeles Walk Like MADD. We thank them for their education efforts and support this great cause.