The founders of Kendall’s Kindness have called this community home since 2001, and over the years they have experienced firsthand the strength, care, and support that make it such a special place to live. That sense of connection became even more meaningful in December of 2021, when Jim and Kim Maffia established Kendall’s Kindness in memory of their daughter, Kendall.

Kendall’s Kindness is dedicated to spreading compassion and positivity throughout the community. Its mission is to inspire individuals to engage in random acts of kindness, creating a ripple effect that uplifts others while promoting mental well-being. At its heart, the foundation is built on the belief that kindness strengthens human connection, enhances lives, and should be a daily practice rather than a rare gesture.

Each month, on the 12th, the foundation promotes random acts of kindness with the intention that every act will be passed on to someone else. This simple rhythm keeps Kendall’s spirit present throughout the year and encourages the community to actively participate in kindness together.

One of the foundation’s original and most meaningful goals was the creation of a scholarship in Kendall’s honor. Initially envisioned as one $1,000 scholarship awarded annually to a St. Charles North High School student pursuing an art-related degree, this effort was meant to be a lifelong tribute to Kendall and her love of art. To date, five $1,000 scholarships have been awarded. In 2026, the foundation expanded the program to offer two $1,500 scholarships, now open to students from either St. Charles North or St. Charles East who plan to study in an art-related field.

Community events are another cornerstone of Kendall’s Kindness. The annual 5K Memorial Birthday Walk was created to honor Kendall’s life, with nearly 200 people attending the very first year. The 5th annual walk will take place this coming June 7 at Corron Elementary. Those who are unable to walk are still encouraged to attend and enjoy tacos afterward, with proceeds from food sales going directly to the foundation. The event will also include a canned-goods drive benefiting the St. Charles Library Food Pantry.

A powerful and lasting tribute to Kendall can be found in the “Blue Eyes and Butterflies” mural on the Fox Build Makerspace building in St. Charles. Designed by local artist, Catherine Tilly, the mural features Kendall’s own handwriting and personal symbols, serving as a permanent reminder of her tradition of painting local business windows for homecoming. The mural has become a conversation starter throughout the community and was honored with a Civic Image Award from the St. Charles Area Chamber of Commerce in May 2025.

While navigating grief remains the foundation’s greatest challenge, the family continues forward with purpose—sharing Kendall’s story, encouraging conversations about mental health, and turning loss into lasting impact. Kendall’s Kindness welcomes volunteers to help plan events, raise awareness, and promote kindness throughout the community.

For upcoming events, visit KendallsKindness.com/events. You can also follow along on Instagram @kendalls_kindness or Facebook Kendall’s Kindness – Be Kind Pass It On.