Non-profit wants to redefine tech, philanthropy
Group hopes to aid families touched by autism through a blend of old and new methods
A trio of unlikely business partners — pro wrestler Mick Foley, former football star Tiki Barber and physician Julian Maha — settled on stage before a standing-room-only crowd in New Orleans.
What brought them together at the Collision tech conference in April was a common goal: to help families touched by autism through new technology and philanthropy.
KultureCity, the non-profit Maha founded in early 2014, is the intersection of their goal. The Birmingham, Ala.-based organization is trying to reshape the non-profit business model, operating in part as an incubator to help launch several businesses that emphasize the hiring of autistic individuals.
“It’s a passion project and an academic project in applying a start-up model,” says the eternally effusive Maha, an emergency medicine physician whose 8year-old son, Abram, has autism.
Rather than focus on fundraising, Maha has focused on partnerships with big tech companies and celebrity endorsements. Its next one: a partnership with the NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers.
Former WWE star Foley was touring the country in a one-man show last year, when his autistic son, Nicky, 15, jumped onstage in Orlando and performed a drum solo. The tour de force caught the attention of Maha, who flew to Baltimore to enlist Foley’s help.
“I want to let parents know that they are not alone,” recalls Foley, who signed on almost immediately.
Last year, Microsoft selected KultureCity as one of the top 10 non-profits in the U.S. and gave it $50,000 in funding. The strategic partnership could lead to more contributions.
The first of KultureCity’s “social good” products is lifeBOKS, a free kit for families to help prevent autistic children from wandering-related accidents. Drowning is the leading cause of death in autistic children under age 8. LifeBOKS contains a Bluetooth tracking bracelet, a QR-code shoe tag, wireless door alarms and a safety tattoo for identification. So far, the kit has prevented 36 drownings.
“On the surface, KultureCity is about the passion of its founders,” says Barber, a former All-Pro running back with the New York Giants. His best friend’s son has autism. “It’s one thing to raise money, and fund research and studies. It’s quite another to impact everyday lives.”