Karen Clawson, Founder & Executive Director of K is for Kids, was honored recently for her empowering impact on children.
PARENT OF THE YEAR
In late May, Clawson was named the Parent of the Year by Missouri University of Science & Technology Kappa Delta-Epsilon Alpha. “This one really touched my heart,” she said. Clawson’s daughter Erin is a member of the sorority.
25 OVER 50
Clawson was surprised to learn she was being honored “amongst the giants” in the first annual 25 over 50 awards program launched this year by the Naples Daily News “to salute the accomplished and exceptional leaders of Collier and Lee counties who continue to leave an imprint on our thriving community through their achievements, leadership abilities, philanthropic efforts, and dedication to the betterment of Southwest Florida.”
Colleagues who have volunteered alongside Clawson and had nominated her, however, said the award was well deserved and noted her seemingly tireless passion, dedication, and prolific impact on youth. Clawson created K is for Kids more than seven years ago, but her efforts began more than a decade ago when she began raising money and collecting new books for the library at Laurel Oak Elementary School. Now, the foundation’s activities include not only book drives, but contests, scholarship competitions, and even a yearly teen fashion show that is run by student leaders and draws in kids of all ages. Clawson continues to serve as the head “cheerleader” overseeing the activities of the student volunteers who share her love of literacy and helping children succeed.
Harry E. Walker/Naples Daily News Karen Clawson, Founder & Executive Director of K is for Kids continues to leave a legacy throughout Southwest Florida through her passion and dedication to help build readers and leaders.
She has been called “an ordinary mom doing extraordinary things”, but those close to Clawson know she prefers to cast the spotlight on the efforts of the high achieving students she helps mentor.
That all changed three years ago when two local children’s book authors decided it was time for her light to shine and nominated her for the MAKERS award (see below). Other friends have since chimed in, keeping the awards coming.
Link here to read about the event and awardees: http://www.naplesnews.com/news/local-news/2015-class-of-25-over-50-profiles-naples-daily-news
Link here to read all Karen’s profile:http://www.naplesnews.com/lifestyle/karen-clawson-founder-and-executive-director-k-is-for-kids-foundation-2015-class-of-25-over-50_27105311
Honorees were nominated by the public and their peers for their significant impact towards helping improve their community.
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25 Over 50 recipients are honored in a special section, published in the Naples Daily News on Sunday, April 26.
Clawson and friends at the 25 Over 50 event. Thanks to all her friends for making this moment all the more special! (l-r) Lisa Edwards, Kelly Wilson, Karen Clawson, Beth Lindemeyer & Carol Tague.
A day worth remembering! Karen Clawson stands with award alongside her friend Carol Tague.
WOMEN OF INITIATIVE 2014
In 2014, Clawson was the recipient of the Women of Initiative Award. Each spring, the Women’s Initiative Network of the Community Foundation of Collier County honors “ten local women leaders who, through their leadership styles, are an inspiration to all women seeking to make a difference through philanthropy and civic engagement.”? (Click here to read more about the award http://www.cfcollier.org/womens-initiative-network/)
MAKERS of Southwest Florida
In 2013, Clawson was named as one of WGCU’s MAKERS, “an award honoring exceptional women who have impacted Southwest Florida’s past, present and future by serving as the “first” in their field; effecting lasting change; building community; defying social norms; and leaving a legacy.” Click here to read more http://wgcumakers.org/karenclawson/.
OTHER AWARDS
Clawson has been nominated for Naples Citizen of the Year and Collier County Public Schools’ Educational Partner of the Year. She was twice presented with CCPS Galaxy of Stars awards, an award that recognizes “outstanding individual volunteers who go above and beyond.”
As executive director, Karen continues to serve without compensation, saying it is her gift to the children. “It’s amazing what kids can do given the opportunity. They surprise me all the time!”
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Donate just $5.00 to buy a book for a child in need.
LITERACY IS OUR PLATFORM
TEENS ARE THE ENERGY AND INSPIRATION FUELING OUR CAUSE!
To make a tax-deductible donation to K is for Kids’ Readers & Leaders Program:
click here.
Or you may mail a donation to:
K is for Kids Foundation
c/o Karen Clawson, Founder & Exec. Dir. * 4601 Oak Leaf Drive * Naples, FL 34119
Together we will “Climb higher. Help others.”