Kids & Clays Tops $5 Million for Critically ill Children and Their Families

What started with a single sporting clay event twenty-seven years ago to help critically ill children and their families, the Kids & Clays Foundation has grown into a leading national organization benefiting hundreds of thousands of families each year. In 2025, it again reached $5 million from 46 events for the second year in a row. The Kids & Clays Foundation supports a national series of clay shooting events and one fishing tournament with proceeds benefiting participating Ronald McDonald House Chapters (RMHC). Ronald McDonald Houses provide housing and other help to critically ill children and their families from coast to coast.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has been a key sponsor and advocate of the Kids & Clays Foundation since its inception in 1999. NSSF is a Kids & Clays National Sponsor in addition to being the leading sponsor of events in Connecticut, New York, and across the country.
“When you support Kids & Clays, you are helping children and their families at a time when they need it the most,” says Chris Dolnack, NSSF senior vice-president and CMO. “This is simply a cause we must support and encourage all companies to get involved. Every dollar donated to Kids & Clays, whether it be cash or product, makes a great difference in the lives of many. I’d encourage all our outdoor partners to support this organization called the ‘shining star’ of our industry.”

Founded in 1999 by McDonald owner-operators Glenn and Kathy Lubeznik from Michigan City, Indiana, the first Kids & Clays Foundation/RMHC event raised $15,800 for Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana RMHC. In 2025, the Kids & Clays Foundation series of events grew to 46 in 23 states and has raised more than $45 million to date to help critically ill children and their families.

“Kids & Clays success and support of Ronald McDonald Houses is made possible by the incredible help of many key companies and individuals within our outdoor community,” says Jason Nash, Federal Ammunition vice-president of marketing and president of Kids & Clays. “Our events are proof about how shooting enthusiasts are making a large difference in the lives of families from coast to coast. We can’t thank our partners in the outdoor community enough.”

Kids & Clays also relies heavily on sponsors from restaurant suppliers to McDonalds Corporation and other non-outdoor companies to fulfill its mission. Sponsors include Baron Engraving, Browning, Federal Ammunition, Mossberg, Ruger, Savage, and Winchester.