Our Origin Story
In 2005, our Founder and President, John Terranova Jr, was thinking about his next move. He had recently left a career in local politics, and wanted to find another way to give back to his community. Realizing that not all children and families were as lucky as his own, he decided he wanted to focus on helping kids and families who needed a bit more help.
Combining some of his favorite loves, bocce, wine, cigars, and having fun with friends, he organized the first Annual Bocce Tournament, and created the Helping Kids and Families Fund. Taking all the money raised from the tournament, raffles, and silent auction, the charity was able to donate money to Rockford MELD and create an emergency fund at his home Parish, St. Anthony of Padua in Rockford, IL. The emergency fund allowed parishioners who needed help with bills or food get the money they needed with no judgment.
Now, 20 years and over $119,000 dollars later, the fund has grown into a non-for-profit tax exempt organization that has donated funds to local and national charities and organizations, gofundme pages and disaster relief around the world with a specific focus on those helping children and families. While our annual Bocce Tournament is our best known event, the charity also raises funds through Charity Gaming Events in the Chicagoland area, Facebook Fundraisers specifically #GivingTuesday, and generous donations from supporters. It all comes down to our donors - and we thank you!!!
As we begin 2026, the Helping Kids and Families Fund (HKFF) is happy to report that since 2005, through the support of our many, many friends (like you), we have been able to donate over $147,661 helping kids and families in need!
Whether the need was for help in meeting transportation costs for hospital visits, Christmas gifts for those without, assisting single parents, giving aid to the poor, hungry or those less fortunate, helping veterans, friends, those in hospitals and nursing homes, through your generous support, HKFF has been there to help.
In fact, last year, 2025, the Helping Kids and Families Fund distributed over $15,600 in contributions and items helping and assisting those in need. These distributions to help kids and families in need have included:
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Local Family and Community assistance: (Mom’s, Dad’s & Kids programs (including help for foster and adoption programs). Winter clothing, blankets, School equipment, Daycare expenses, medical expenses, household supplies $4000
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Helping the Hungry and Homeless: HKFF was able to give over $2500 for shelter, supplies andpurchased over 900 meals in the Rockford and Springfield areas and donated resources for localfood pantries including Rockford Rescue Mission and St. John's Breadline.
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Christmas gifts: $3000 (providing Christmas meals, gifts, toys for kids in Rockford and Springfield IL)
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Targeted Programs: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, RockHouse Kids, The Meld Programs at YSN, St.Joseph’s Home for the Elderly, Rockford Rescue Mission, Cornucopia Food Pantry: St. John’s Breadline (Springfield, IL) : $2000
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HKFF also provided funding for Four Scholarship recipients: $3000
By supporting the Helping Kids and Families Fund (At our SuperNova Trivia Nights, HKFF charitable gaming events or by simply donating), your generosity has helped make a difference in the lives of many individuals, locally, nationally and around the world.
With your continued support, so generously given since we began our charity in 2005, HKFF will
continue on our mission: Helping Kids and Families in Need!
Thank you so very much for your caring generosity!
Sincerely,
The Helping Kids and Families Fund (HKFF)
January 2026
