Leslie has been involved with Bags of Fun KC in one way or another since 2011. She has helped plan several of our fundraisers and events, been an event sponsor, as well as an integral part of our team. She loves being involved with Bags of Fun KC because she believes in our mission and program. She met Gabby on one of her visits to KC and is happy to be a part of making a difference in Gabby’s memory. When not volunteering for Bags of Fun KC Leslie runs and manages a successful business called Mix It Up which specializes in refinishing, painting and faux finishes.
Member Type: Staff
Lisa is a Springfield native, has three grown children and two grandchildren. She heard about the foundation and its mission from her childhood friend, then was hooked after seeing a Springfield friend’s daughter receive her own bag of fun! Lisa was happy to see the smiles and joy it brought that little girl, as well as her twin brother. She got to deliver three bags of fun at the hospital shortly after that and now is ready to help our presence in Springfield thrive and grow. “I am thrilled to be a part of something so special for children who are literally fighting for their lives in most cases!”
Jennifer Freeman was born and raised in Springfield, MO, but moved to Kansas City in her mid twenties. She lived in KC for 10 years where I was introduced to and became involved with Bags of Fun KC. After moving back to Springfield she continued to be involved with Bags of Fun from there! “I absolutely love Bags of Fun because I can bring smiles and laughs to a child and family that is going through a really hard and scary time. Adding joy to a child’s life brings joy to mine. Seeing parents faces’ light up because they see their child happy is an amazing feeling. I am blessed to be able to be involved with such an amazing charity that fulfills an unmet need for these kids and families when undergoing what can be a life changing event in their lives. “
Courtney is a graduate of KU Nursing program and currently works at St Luke’s Hospital in neurology, but grew up in Denver with Gabby Krause and is a friend of the family. She grew up attending events for Bags of Fun in Denver, and is happy that she gets to be a part of our program in Kansas City. Courtney does many things for the KC office, but her favorite part is delivering to the children and watching their whole demeanor change while she is showing them their bag of fun!
Deena Wolf was born and raised in Missouri, graduate of University of Missouri ‘84, previously employed as a legal assistant in KC for many years before semi-retiring to stay home and raise her children. She has been married 31 years and has 2 grown children. She has been volunteering at Bags of Fun KC since 2018 and loves the interaction with the kids and families that we deliver to. She first got interested in Bags of Fun KC after seeing what Bags of Fun KC was doing at Children’s Mercy through social media and wanted to get involved. She actually spent 2 months hospitalized when she was a toddler suffering from severe asthma and other lung ailments. She has been told repeatedly by family that CMH saved her life so now she wants to give back.
Cathy was born and raised in Iowa but is proud to call KC her home now. She works part time at our partner toy store, Brookside Toy and Science, and is our resident toy expert. She picks all of our toys, games, and lovies for our bags of fun. She is a caretaker at heart, being an oncology nurse by trade and loves knowing that her work with us brings so much joy and distraction to the children we deliver to. When not working, Cathy enjoys being with family, playing games, and watching movies with her husband.
Sandy is a Kansas City native and graduate of CU Boulder. Before working for Bags of Fun KC she ran her own renovation design business. She and her husband Jeff have two children who have volunteered, raised money, and had birthday parties for Bags of Fun KC. Sandy enjoys working for Bags of Fun KC because she sees first-hand how much of a difference our program can make for a child who is in the middle of long term treatment and their family in general. Sandy helps with planning our events, as well as other administrative tasks.
Louisa is the director of Bags of Fun KC and has been since its inception in 2011. She has a degree in Special Education and taught and tutored before starting Bags of Fun in Kansas City. As a close family friend of executive director and founder, Tammy Krause, she is honored to continue keeping Gabby’s wish alive. “Gabby was such a bubbly, funny girl. She loved joking around, and made us all laugh! She spent many hours playing at our house, riding in our car, and even gave my husband a nickname we all still use today. Her legacy has brought her same joy and laughter to so many children and their families!” Louisa is proud to be a KC native. She and her husband have five children and when not working she likes traveling and reading.