Affinity Worldwide CEO hopes $1M gift to Kansas City Startup Foundation spurs more community giving
August 6, 2017 | Michael Wrenn
Editor’s note: Michael Wrenn previously was the owner of Startland News and its parent organization, the Center for Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Development (CEED).
I’m a big believer in counting blessings and doing my small part to give back.
My wife, Becky Cole, CFO of Affinity Worldwide, is of the same mindset. We’ve enjoyed success over the years in our family-owned companies and various startups headquartered in Kansas City, and take pleasure in helping others just starting out. We remember that others before us laid the groundwork for our success.
For some years, we supported the Center of Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Development (CEED), because we were huge fans of CEED co-founder Adam Arredondo and adopted his vision of a stronger, more connected startup community as our own. We’ve enjoyed watching this vision grow and have seen the positive impact CEED has made in Kansas City. CEED has worked closely with Kansas City Startup Foundation for several years and both entities have been integral parts of the startup community’s story.
We have now gifted CEED to the Kansas City Startup Foundation, along with a five-year financial commitment. As this startup effort has grown and evolved, we feel that our contribution will go farthest and help the most people in a nonprofit setting. This also allows Adam and others to lead the effort and vision into the future.
Becky and I recognize we are but one couple who has invested our lives in our companies and communities. We try to do the right things for the right reasons every day.
To further the positive impact of entrepreneurship in Kansas City and beyond, I’d love for our gift to encourage others to join us in giving. We deserve no special recognition but rather only desire to serve as leaders in our community who try to make it a better place for our kids and for future generations.
It is, therefore, our pleasure to make this gift and watch as this foundation begins to further its mission, leading to a more vibrant community of entrepreneurs who will help shape Kansas City’s future.
Featured Business
2017 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
UMKC pitch contest returning with $90K in prizes; spots remain for emerging startups
The 2023 edition of the Regnier Venture Creation Challenge (RVCC), an annual pitch competition hosted by UMKC, is expected to award $90,000 in equity-free funding to student entrepreneurs and Kansas City businesses. Ben Williams, managing director at the Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, shared his excitement for this year’s event — set for April…
$60K in pitch competition winnings will help Black-owned businesses drive employment, book purchases
The owner of a mobile phlebotomy company took home the $30,000 grand prize at Friday’s We Are Black pitch competition — the first such event organized by Kansas City G.I.F.T. LaVita Green said the funding and resources from G.I.F.T. will help Caresticks Mobile Phlebotomy, which provides patients with on-site and mobile phlebotomy services, to grow…
Devoured Pizza rising into brick-and-mortar space with elevated concept, revenue sharing campaign
Devoured Pizza is on a mission to change the way people eat pizza in Kansas City, Jhy Coulter said, and the community has the opportunity to get involved now more than ever. “Food in Kansas City is evolving. It’s getting better and better, and I want to be part of that. Pizza is this canvas…
New book from KC heavy hitters: Keep your pitch firmly in the feels; avoid being forgotten before you leave the room
Editor’s note: The following contains an excerpt from “Go Big or Go Home,” a new book by Diana Kander, Kansas City serial entrepreneur, and Tucker Trotter, CEO of Overland Park-based Dimensional Innovations (DI). Click here to learn more about “Go Big or Go Home,” available March 28. The secret to a winning pitch isn’t necessarily…