Jack Gardner had a idea in 2011, while he was participating in a World Series of Softball in Florida. Jack always knew he wanted to give back to people in his community in Stark County, so he decided to start a softball tournament to raise money for non-profit organzations.

Jack decided to turn to Make a Wish foundation in 2011 to donate  $1500.00 of the funds that were raised and in 2012 raised $3500.00 for a group called Canton Challenger's all from his idea of starting a fundrasing softball tournament.

Then came 2012, a year that changed Jack and his wife, Christine's life would forever.

On September 28th, 2012, Christine gave birth to the couples second child, a son named Kaiden. Kaiden was diagnosed with a Congenital Heart Disease known as Tetralogy of Fallot. He would require open heart surgery soon in order to survive.

On December 28th, 2012 Kaiden did have successful open heart surgery and has continued to do well.

From that point foward, the Gardner's knew they wanted to do everthing they could to raise money and give back to the community. Jack's fundrasing idea of the softball tourament continued to grow from 2013 to 2015 with the help of Mike Horton, Joe Moore, Lenny Vance and Jared Poling because the demand of others wanting to help by donating and participating in the event. The newly formed board of directors brought in new sponsors and new ideas and took this tournament to the next level. 

From 2013 to 2015, the group was able to donate over $25,000.00 to a group called Mended LIttle Hearts, Akron Walk for Babies and into giving back to a Stark County Family for Christmas. 

Because we wanted to reach more people in Stark County and we want to see first hand what we could do with funds raised our group of Board Members, Jack and Christine Gardner, Mike and Katie Horton and Caryn Barth decided it was time to start our own non-profit organization called Kaiden Kares. We wanted to focus on children diagnosed with congential heart disease and we would like to help their families by giving them Kare Bags filled with items needed while they are staying in the hospital.We want offer meals and support.

We are so very excited to see what can do to help others and with your help Kaiden Kares will succeed.