Brooklyn Center teen is one of five young people in the nation being honored as one of 2008’s “Most Caring Americans.” Ashlee and four other young adults will be honored at the annual induction ceremony on April 7th, 2008 at the Frederick Douglass Museum & Hall of Fame for Caring Americans in Washington, D.C.. Most recently, Ashlee’s founded an African chapter of “Kids for a Better World.”
Read more... See video ...Also see Smiles for a picture of children at the new Kids For A Better World Child Development Center in Liberia!

It doesn’t matter how old you are. Ashlee Kephart may be just 16 years old, but she leads when there’s a need. Her passion for volunteering began in 3rd grade, when she started working on “Nurse Nancy’s Wish List,” an effort to collect supplies for her school nurse. That was just the beginning…

When Ashlee was 11 years old, she gave the gift of music to some very sick kids through a program she called "Music From The Heart." Ashlee, an avid musician, wanted to play violin at the Ronald McDonald house"...so the kids could enjoy the healing effects of music." But she was too young to volunteer. Since she couldn't go inside, she sent the music in without her. She collects and donates CD players, recorded music, even karaoke machines. As a result, the Ronald McDonald House now holds karaoke parties for its patients.

In her young life, Ashlee has already volunteered more than 5000 hours and collected thousands of dollars in donations. Shes always thinking about new efforts like her "Walk In My Shoes" program where she hopes to collect new shoes for kids in need. Along with all of this, Ashlee still spends countless hours playing her violin at nursing homes and senior centers. Why? "Music breaks down barriers and heals communities one heart at a time."

Hear audio from an interview of Ashlee & her mom on the Delilah Show on WLTE Radio - 2005.

Connecting With Africa----I would like to thank all who donated to our Connecting With Africa programs. We have filled two 40 foot containers, one sent fall of 2005 to Kenya and one sent recently, May 2006 to Liberia, filled with caring bags, clothes, toys, books, household items, furniture, computers, appliances, and even a vehicle. We hope to have another container ready to send by the end of the year. Right now we are collecting school supplies and books for an orphanage and school in Kenya. If you would like to donate items or help with the cost of sending these items, send donations Send donations to...

Most recently, Ashlee’s founded an African chapter of “Kids for a Better World.”
Read more... See video ...Also see Smiles for a picture of children at the new Kids For A Better World Child Development Center in Liberia!