Kansas City, MO (April 20, 2013) – Bright and early Friday morning, JJ Yeley arrived at Kansas City’s Children’s Mercy Hospital to play the role of “shoe fairy” for three families of seriously ill children. While most drivers were still in their motor coaches enjoying a quiet morning, Yeley was spending time with three children who each received a hand painted pair of Converse sneakers as part of his work with the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation in conjunction with Peach’s Neet Feet.
The morning started off with JJ getting to meet with each of the children, Hudson (2), Madison (5), and Avery (8), as well as their families. He sat down and drew pictures with the kids and got to know a little bit about each one. When speaking with the families Yeley gave words of encouragement and hope to each, “I couldn’t imagine having to go through what you do every day as a parent. My heart and hope is with each of you that you continue the good fight and hang in there, and hopefully good things will be coming your way soon.”
Afterwards, Yeley presented each child with a hand painted pair of Converse. The smiles on their faces were priceless. Yeley commented, “It is such a great feeling seeing the smiles on their faces. To be able to come out here and give them a pair of shoes that brings them happiness means a lot to me, as well as their families.”
Children’s Mercy Hospital is located in the heart of Kansas City, MO. The hospital is one of the most prestigious children’s hospitals in the country and the first in the state to earn the award for excellence in patient care by the American Nurses Credentialing Centers. With over 700 medical staff and specialists on hand, Children’s Mercy is a top of the line care facility for children and young adults.
JJ’s ongoing involvement with the Random Acts of Kindness organization brought him to a new opportunity with Peach’s Neet Feet (PNF). PNF is a non-profit organization that started in 2011, and has continued to grow over the past two years. The organization is best known for their hand painted shoes that are given to children with disabilities or fighting a serious illness. PNF has given away hundreds of “one of a kind” shoes that continue to put a smile on a child’s face daily.
Kansas City was just the first stop for JJ Yeley. Throughout the remainder of the NASCAR season, Yeley will be visiting several other Children’s Hospitals and playing “shoe fairy.” Make sure you check out Tommy Baldwin Racing’s Twitter and Facebook page for more pictures and upcoming events.
