Marco Shemwell Foundation

Marco Shemwell was a precious 4-year-old boy who loved BIG! Though Marco was small, he had a joy for life and a personality that would fill a room. We called him our “sour patch kid.” He loved his family, UK football, and Batman. Why Batman? Because, as Marco would say, "he helps people.”

On September 15, 2018, Marco was waiting to cross the street with his family after a UK Football game when he was struck by a vehicle driven by a UK student. Marco’s injuries were not survivable. He died two days later. 

Marco was ours and we loved him, as did anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. After his death, the entire community wrapped around us as we grieved Marco's short life together. We couldn’t let Marco’s memory end here, and we knew that we could never repay the kindness and love we received. But, we could pay it forward by showing kindness and love to others. 

We are still deeply moved and humbled by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support from our community — far beyond what we ever could have expected. We continue the momentum of love in action, or #MarcoMoments, through the Marco Shemwell Foundation. Our mission is to bring hope, comfort, and healing by creating #MarcoMoments that leave ripples of positive change.

We do this several ways. Our biggest, and longest running mission has been our Birthday Box Program. To date, we have packed and donated more than 7,000 Birthday Boxes to children in our community by partnering with volunteers, public schools, and other organizations that serve families in need. We have also partnered with local children's hospitals in providing toys, gaming, and activity packets. 

We are grateful for the years we have been able to serve families in our community and ask for your support again this year. As a grassroots nonprofit, we are fully funded by the generosity of others, and Good Giving is our biggest fundraiser of the year. Please donate now and help us create more #MarcoMoments that leave ripples of positivity in honor of our sweet boy.