The Story

In his English class, Kevin Garcia was asked to write an essay about who he would be if he could be anyone in history and why. His answer was Elvis Presley, and his reason was quoted from one of his favorite childhood movies, The Sandlot: "Heroes get remembered, but legends never die". Establishing the Kevin Garcia Foundation is our next step in spreading the legend of Kevin's love, hope and joy to as many people as possible. Kevin did not have money, power or fame, but he had what every human aspires to achieve in a lifetime: The ability to touch another person's soul.

Kevin gave his all to help family & friends, as much as humanly possible. Whether it was helping put up hurricane shutters for his grandparents, giving a parent a hug of comfort when facing a painful loss, brightening a brother or friend's day with a funny story or making sandcastles for a little boy on the beach, Kevin truly cared and loved every person he met. Kevin was humble, kind, understanding, generous and loving , all the qualities that matter most in a person.

Kevin was 17 years old when he passed away December 9, 2008 and despite all the devastating grief, he inspired us to request toys instead of flowers for his funeral. Kevin's friends & family responded overwhelmingly to this request by filling a truck full of toys to benefit the patients of Joe DiMaggio's Children's Hospital.

Since that initial toy drive, we have established the Kevin Garcia Scholarship to benefit students that excel academically & are involved in sports. Scholarships have been awarded to the students of Charles Flanagan High School, Western High School, and Archbishop McCarthy High School.

In addition to helping our community children's hospital, and high school students, the Kevin Garcia Foundation has sponsored nonprofit organizations, Amigos For Kids, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, Wonderfund, Hospital La Mascota.

The true testament to Kevin's legend is apparent in the love, hope & joy that people continue to demonstrate with their support of his foundation. On behalf of Kevin Garcia, thank you for spreading love!