‍Kids’ Chance of Maryland (KCMD) will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year, a celebration delayed from last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A gala is planned for July 23 to recognize the organization’s longevity and impact. Since its inception, KCMD has supported 120 students with scholarships totaling $1.9 million.

Nancy Kellar, a member of the KCMD board who has been involved with the organization for 23 years, acknowledges some challenges at the beginning but is proud of the growth and success over time.

“It’s a huge accomplishment when you look at that total.” she says. “To sit back now and see where we are after 26 years is a good feeling. It’s changed lives — every board member and volunteer who has served should be very proud of all that has been accomplished.”

KCMD was founded in 1996 after Charles Krysiak, Chairman of the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission, attended a workers’ comp meeting in Georgia and heard a presentation from Kids’ Chance of Georgia (KCGA). He knew that Maryland should have a program like that, too.

He returned to Maryland and recruited Jeff Horowitz, a claimants attorney, and Woods Bennett, a defense attorney.  Jeff and Woods then began the legal work to establish Kids’ Chance of Maryland. The three then pulled in Paul Rose, then CEO at the State Accident Fund (now called Chesapeake Employers Insurance).

Paul Rose’s executive assistant at the time was Nancy Kellar. She was called in to take notes at one of the first KCMD meetings. Her service with Kids’ Chance began first as executive director and continues to this day as a member of KCMD’s board.

In 2009 — under the leadership of Tom Phelan, CEO at Chesapeake Employers’ Insurance Company, as well as president of KCMD — Chesapeake Employers’ Insurance Company allowed KCMD to have a space for its files and host board meetings after business hours. Chesapeake employees helped support KCMD’s marketing, communications, and mailings as part of the company’s commitment to be involved in charitable work in the community. The employee population also donated money toward the scholarship fund through bake sales and charity campaigns. Some employees served as board members throughout the years.

The first recipient of the Jim Hudak and Sally Silvia Scholarship was a KCMD student. Emily Myers, who was awarded the scholarship in 2020, was nominated by KCMD because they knew she was an excellent candidate with a bright future.

“I am so grateful for this scholarship. It will allow me to move forward with my career goals and make a difference for not just myself, but for everyone around me,” said Emily at the time. “I’m very excited to see where my education takes me!”

Kids’ Chance of America (KCOA) honors KCMD for 25+ years of tremendous vision and dedicated efforts in providing scholarships to young people who otherwise may not have been able to achieve their education and career dreams.

Kids’ Chance organizations provide scholarships to children of workers who have been injured or killed on the job. KCMD donors, staff, and volunteers — you continue to make the difference in the lives of these kids! Congratulations on this landmark event.