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The Cavett Kids Story

What started as a dream by founder Danny Cavett, has evolved into eight camps serving children and youth with various life-threatening and chronic illnesses. Each year, the lives of 20,000 children and their families are enhanced by our annual camps and programs.

Since 1997 Cavett Kids has provided FREE camps, programs, and support for children and youth battling life-threatening illnesses. We strive to develop Character, Coping and Connection while improving the lives of over 20,000 children each year and providing a safe place for children to feel "normal" and accepted while also receiving life-saving medical care.

Read More about Our History 

 

Our Team

Featured
Danny Cavett, Founder
Danny Cavett, Founder

The Cavett Kids Foundation began as a passion project for Danny Cavett when he began his work as a Chaplain at OU Health back in 1977. Danny saw that thanks to advancements in medicine, children were living longer with their disease, but they didn’t know how to thrive in life. And that is where it all began… In 1978 Danny, along with the Pediatric Dialysis Team, began planning the very first “Kamp Kidney” for children battling kidney disease. After the camp, Danny realized that yes it was fun, but the children we not taught anything. So, he began planning for the next one which was aimed at not only connecting the kids together but teaching them valuable life lessons. Today, Danny continues to be an active part of the Cavett Kids Foundation as he serves and teaches at our camps, attends many of our events, and assists on planning committees.

Ashley Simpson, Executive Director
Ashley Simpson, Executive Director

After finishing a dual Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology and Art Therapy at Southwestern College in Santa Fe, New Mexico I began my journey with Cavett Kids in the spring of 2012 when I joined the organization as an Intern providing Art Therapy services through our Diversionary Play program. My passion for the organization quickly grew as I began getting to know these amazing Cavett Kids. Fast forward to February 2018 when I moved into the role of Executive Director and my heart for these amazing kids has only grown deeper. When you invest not just your dollars but your time and energy in these children it’s a truly life-changing experience for both. I’m blessed to be part of the Cavett Kids Family and I hope you will be, too.

Seasonal Jobs & Internships
Seasonal Jobs & Internships

The Cavett Kids Foundation offers seasonal, part-time paid positions including a Camps & Program Assistant as well as a Visual Marketing Assistant. For more information and details on how to apply please contact info@cavettkids.org. Cavett Kids also offers (unpaid) seasonal internship experiences that may fulfill a course credit. Internships are aimed to enhance your knowledge of the nonprofit sector, gain knowledge in the areas of camps and special events planning, as well as broaden your experience in working with kids and youth battling health-related medical challenges.  For more information, please contact info@cavettkids.org.

Board Officers & Directors
Board Officers & Directors

Erin Walker, President

Kandi Link, Treasurer

Dr. Liz McCabe, Secretary

Members:
Eric Cavett, Tink Collins, Jamie Kilpatrick, Liz Pace, Dr. Charlie Sperrazza

Emeritus Members:
Danny Cavett, Larry Cavett, Scott Cavett

Cavett Advocate Board
Cavett Advocate Board

CAB is a non-governing, hands-on group who chair our two major fundraisers, serve at various camps and programs, and works to increase community awareness, media spotlights and fundraising opportunities to further the mission of Cavett Kids.

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2024 Leadership Team: Brittany Mullens, Chelsea Mortazavi, Dayna Reust, Isabel King & Tobi Gordon

2024 Members: Averie Vardaman, Autumn Morton, Bree Jameson, Brooklynn Nichols, Emily Nash, Jamie Knisley, Katie Niblett, Lauren Riepl, Meghan Hilterbrand, Roselyn Chama, Stephanie Anderson, Tayler Powell

Apply for the Cavett Advocate Board

Join the Cavett Advocate Board

The Cavett Kids Foundation accepts applications for the Cavett Advocate Board each year from December through January. Applications close January 31st every year. It is simple to apply! Just download and complete the application below by the deadline. Applications should be submitted to info@cavettkids.org to be considered for membership. Applicants should be ages 18+ to apply. Meetings are on Tuesday evenings and happen bimonthly starting in February.

The Furry Staff

Featured
Finn, Therapy Dog & Official Furry Staff Member
Finn, Therapy Dog & Official Furry Staff Member

I’m a cuddly Golden Retriever and certified Therapy Dog working with the Cavett Kids Foundation three days a week since August of 2015. I was born on June 16th, 2014 in Bowie, Texas at Reading Retrievers. I really love my job and enjoy a good scratch! When I’m not bringing smiles to the kiddos I enjoy watching the OKC Thunder, playing fetch, riding in our boat and swimming no matter what temperature it is outside.

Andy, Therapy Dog, Finn’s Little Sister
Andy, Therapy Dog, Finn’s Little Sister

I’m a fluffy girl Golden Retriever and certified Therapy Dog working with Cavett Kids. I was born on October 26, 2017 at Reading Retrievers in Bowie, TX. I love to steal my brother Finn’s toys, eat treats, take naps, swim and get belly rubs! My nickname is “Chunky Monkey” because I really, really love treats!