Two words that best describe Staci Hathaway and her work with Kicks For Kids are: service and commitment. She has volunteered for just about every position involved with KFK's events, all the while keeping her busy schedule as a fourth grade teacher at Hopewell Elementary in West Chester and a prominent Youth Leader of her church. Presently, Staci chairs the annual Great Outdoor Adventure in the fall and volunteers at the RGI River Run and the Meijer/KFK Celebrity Golf Classic; she also cannot recall a Christmas party she has missed since its inception! "I try to do whatever my schedule allows," she laughs.

She began her work with Kicks For Kids more than a decade ago, soon after she first met Doug Pelfrey at a local golf tournament. Doug had just been signed by the Bengals, and was participating in the outing that day. Having idolized former Bengal's kicker Jim Breech since she was 9-years-old, Staci joked about being a little leery of him taking over Jim's position...but quickly realized what an incredible heart Doug had for his community. Soon after their initial meeting, Kicks For Kids was founded and she knew she wanted to get involved, quickly signing up to volunteer at the 1st Annual Christmas Party. "I kind of got hooked ever since!" she exclaimed.

Staci remains involved because of the impact she sees in the children. "You see the kids that you are benefiting, and see how the lives of the kids change with these experiences," Staci said. For example, several years ago, she was chaperoning a young girl at the annual Christmas Party. While the child had been frowning the majority of the evening, she later confessed to Staci that she didn't believe in Santa because he had never come to her house; she had never had a Christmas. Staci explained how amazing it was to then see the girl's transformation when it was her turn to visit Santa and to receive gifts that were on her wish list. "Her whole demeanor changed," Staci explained, "It was like a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders, and she was able to be a kid and could believe. I know KFK made a total difference in that girl's life."

In addition, Staci has truly enjoyed the people involved with the charity over the years. "I am very proud to say that I work for Kicks For Kids as a volunteer," she stated. Besides, commitment just seems to be in her nature: she has only missed one Bengal's home game in 19 years, and her classroom is Bengal's orange!