This philosophy has been the guiding light and principle motivation of The Ethel and W. George Kennedy Family Foundation, a private Coral Gables-based family foundation created in 1968.

Following the death of his wife Ethel, W. George Kennedy established the foundation in her memory. During the course of their lifetimes, the Kennedy’s were committed to improving the quality of life in Miami-Dade County. Today, the foundation continues the tradition of giving for a variety of purposes and projects, mainly focusing on children

Although George Kennedy died in 1986, the foundation’s work is carried on by four of the couple’s six adopted children. “They set a standard for us,” explains Kathleen Kennedy-Olsen, the foundation’s managing director. Sister Kimberly Kennedy adds, “Considering where our father came from, growing up poor and becoming a self-made man, he lived in those situations and understood what it was like to experience poverty. I think he never forgot those early roots and wanted to help others.”

Born in Canada, George Kennedy came to Miami in the early 1920s and made his fortune in land development, insurance and banking. He met his future wife, Ethel, when she answered an ad for a position at his insurance agency.

The importance of philanthropy was instilled in all six children of different nationalities, whom the Kennedy’s adopted as babies. Kennedy-Olsen says her parents, who were in their 50s, would have adopted more, but her mother’s illness prevented that. “Ever since we were small, the spirit and concept of giving to others was an important part of our lives. I remember as a child going to this one house and delivering a box of canned goods and a turkey to a family. It was a wonderful feeling to see the excitement and happiness of the parents and kids in this tiny house,” she recalls.