COMMUNITY / Kansas City G.I.F.T.

Founded in 2020, Kansas City G.I.F.T. is an award-winning, non-profit organization founded around this simple, yet profound question: “What if 15,000 people donated $10 a month?” Over the past three years, KC GIFT has discovered the answer to be $1.6m raised to assist Black-owned businesses in Kansas City thereby creating jobs, creating generational wealth, and reducing poverty-related crime and violence. Over that time KC GIFT has offered grants, business coaching, and retail opportunities to scores of businesses in the community.

On February 29, Amy and Sean had the pleasure of attending KC GIFT’s annual donor recognition event. In addition to a wonderful dinner prepared by Chef Jenette Payne of Loaded With Flavor Catering, the evening included inspiring presentations from the following entrepreneurs:

Chris Goode, the founder and CEO of Ruby Jean’s Juicery, who “strives to create truly healthy beverages and snacks in an environment which is welcoming and all-inclusive.” Chris shared how his business has captured national media attention and expanded to cover all of metropolitan Kansas City.

Antonio Hatcher, Owner of Haul Pros, shared how his business has grown exponentially, including supporting former employees striking out to start their own business.

Patricia Mitchell, Owner of Ish Eyewear, who, in addition to sporting fantastic eyewear of her own creation, shared how she can now provide children’s glasses and that her creations can be found on websites of national retailers.

Angelo and Darrell of Dscover Ur Dzine, who provide design, coordinate, and management services for interior design projects. Their talents were fully evident as they transformed KC GIFT’s learning center into an elegant event space for the evening.

We at Odimo have the good fortune to collaborate with the fantastic team at KC GIFT team as they envision what the future can bring not only for their organization, but also for all the talented entrepreneurs they serve. Thank you to the team at KC GIFT for such a wonderful evening.

PS: Be sure to check out their list of black owned businesses. That is where we recently found OCD Diva who does a wonderful job taking care of Odimo’s studio space!