Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Summer homecoming called off
Backers invited to still support
The annual Cool Summer Homecoming to benefit the Kendrick Fincher Hydration for Life foundation has been called off.
“We are heartbroken to announce that we are canceling our 2020 Tailgate Gala on Aug. 29. With covid-19 conditions not improving, it’s important to our organization and Board of Directors that safety come first. We hope you all will join us next year for our inaugural Tailgate Gala.”
The foundation’s mission is to “promote proper hydration and prevent heat illness through education programs in schools, with athletes and supporting activities,” said Rhonda Wotowis, founder and executive director.
Of starting the nonprofit organization, Wotowis says, “The mission found me through the death of my son in 1995. Kendrick went to his first day of football practice and experienced heatstroke and died 18 days later.
I was astonished to learn that Kendrick was not the first child to die from heatstroke, and yet nothing was being done to prevent heat illness. Heat illness is 100 percent preventable, and I am committed to helping prevent other deaths.”
Foundation leaders announced Aug. 1 the 25/25/25 fundraising campaign. “On Aug. 25, it will be 25 years since Kendrick passed away from heat stroke. In remembrance of him we launched a 25/25/25 campaign on Aug. 1:
• 25 years since Kendrick passed away;
• 25 days;
• to raise $25,000 and help us in our mission to “promote proper hydration to prevent heat illness through education and supporting activities here in Northwest