Robert Keefe, one of the Kids’ Chance community’s longest advocates and leaders, is the recipient of the 2020 Robert M. Clyatt Distinguished Service Award. Named for Kids’ Chance founder Bob Clyatt, the award embodies his passion for helping children impacted by a parent’s workers’ compensation injury or death obtain the funds needed to advance their education.

Presented annually, this award recognizes a member of the national Kids’ Chance community who has gone above and beyond in service of what matters most: the kids.

“For the past 22 years, Bob Keefe has embodied the mission of Kids’ Chance,” said Kevin Turner, President of Kids’ Chance of America. “His work and contributions cover both his home state of Missouri but moreover, the creation of Kids’ Chance of America, which is the driving force behind Bob Clyatt’s vision to reach more kids by leveraging a national network.”

Kids’ Chance of Missouri (KCMO) was founded in 1995 and Bob Keefe became a board member in 1997. He served on its executive board for 22 years – and he continues to serve on it today. He has held the positions - sometimes more than once - of both president and treasurer. Bob remains active in attending and promoting KCMO activities.

Bob became involved with Kids’ Chance of America in 1999 and served the organization until 2018 in many valuable ways.

Kids’ Chance of America is a state-up organization. Our prevailing position on state support, the revered value of the Council of State Organizations, and the forming of basic principles have all been guided by Bob’s input.

“As the executive director of a rapidly growing organization, it has been critical to forming ties with those who have been with this organization since the early days,” shared Vicki Burkhart, Executive Director of Kids’ Chance of America. “Bob served as a bridge from the organization of the past to the organization we are today. Through countless national board meetings over nearly a decade, he was a key player in the discussions that ultimately formed a path forward.”

While no longer on the Kids’ Chance of America board, Bob continues to serve unofficially as a trusted resource to the leaders currently supporting the Kids’ Chance mission nationally.

“Awarding Bob Keefe the Robert M. Clyatt Award not only recognizes an individual who - for over two decades - has given of himself and made our accomplishments possible,” shared Kevin Turner. “But by bestowing upon him this honor, we also memorialize and recognize Kids’ Chance of America’s rich history."