Our Mission
Helping Kids Thrive!
The Dan Kelly (DK4) Foundation is committed to providing athletic opportunities for children of all ages and diverse backgrounds guided by the belief that everyone is an athlete. We know that sports can harness the power in kids by building character, teaching perseverance and teamwork, providing peer relationships and a healthy outlet to the everyday stressors that kids face in the world today. The foundation was established to provide athletic opportunities through the funding of athletic camps, tournaments, coaching and friendly community competitions. We provide positive social experiences that foster the development of skills needed for responsible citizenship. We are committed to getting kids off the couch and moving their feet while dancing to their own tune. We aim to encourage and support kids by getting them in the game.
Our Impact
Profound and Far-Reaching!
The Dan Kelly Foundation's impact is profound and far-reaching. By promoting sports as a platform for learning, growth, and social interaction, the foundation not only helps children stay active and healthy, but it also instills in them valuable life skills. Through the foundation's inclusive sports programs, children from all backgrounds and abilities can participate, ensuring equal access to these enriching experiences. Additionally, the foundation's support for educational programs like PLAYWORKS extends their impact beyond the playing field, promoting intellectual stimulation and creative engagement.
The financial assistance provided by the foundation further underscores its commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity. This aid ensures that no child is left behind due to their family's financial situation.In essence, the Dan Kelly Foundation's impact lies in its ability to create a nurturing and supportive environment where children can thrive. By honoring Dan Kelly's vision, the foundation empowers children to reach their full potential, shaping them into well-rounded individuals ready to face the challenges of the future.
DK4 Foundation
Board of Directors
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Kelley Grealish Kelly, serves as the President and is a Nurse Practitioner at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center. With an extensive 37-year career in nursing, she has provided care for both adults and medically complex children. Alongside her professional endeavors, Kelley is a devoted mother to three wonderful children who are deeply involved in sports. Over the years, she has been an active volunteer for numerous sports programs and charitable initiatives, assuming roles such as Director of Arlington Girls Hockey and Co-Chair of the Arlington Relay for Life. Her volunteerism extends to organizations like the Arlington Health Department, the Arlington Public School Department, and participation in events like the Breast Cancer Walk and Ovarian Cancer Walk. Kelley was married to Dan Kelly for 31 years and she credits Dan for instilling in her a love for sports and friendly competition.
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Gaar Talanian, Vice President, is the Senior Vice President of residential lending at Dedham Savings bank. He is also on the board of the Arlington Housing Authority which supplies low- income housing in the town. A lifelong Arlington resident, Gaar was a volunteer ice hockey coach in Arlington from 1991 to 2018. One of his fondest childhood summer memories was going to the park (Spy Pond and Menotomy) and playing sports in an unstructured environment all day long. Gaar has two grown children and lives in Arlington with his wife Lori.
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Joe Sciacca, Clerk, is a Senior Managing Director and Deputy General Counsel at Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. Joe grew up in Arlington and was a longtime friend, classmate and teammate of Dan. He moved to New York in 1993, where he currently lives with his wife and two daughters. Joe coached youth hockey and softball for many years.
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John Bysiewicz, Treasurer, is a partner at the CPA firm Mamacos, Bysiewicz & Associates, LLC since it's formation in 2023. Prior to that, John was an audit partner at one of the largest global accounting firms where he served private middle market clients. Outside of work, John spends time with his wife and their two little kids at their home in North Reading.
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Jim Buckley, Director, is a CPA and has been working in accounting/finance for 7 years. He started his career at PwC and has since worked in consulting and for biotech companies. Jim lives in Burlington with his wife Cait and dog Hazy. He grew up in Arlington, playing various sports, and was lucky enough to be coached by the great Dan Kelly for multiple baseball and hockey teams. Jim is involved to help make sure all kids have the chance to remain active and have outlets through sports.
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Karen (Kelly) Kiefer, Director, is Dan Kelly's older sister. She serves as the director of the Church in the 21st Century Center at Boston College. Before joining the C21 Center in 2008, she held positions in University Advancement and as an adjunct faculty member, teaching marketing and PR, in BC's Communication Department. Karen founded Spread the Bread, an award-winning nonprofit organization, and has taught religious education in local Catholic parishes for 25 years. She is the author of the children's book, "The Misfit Sock," as well as "Drawing God," which sparked a worldwide drawing God movement. Karen just released her third children's book, "Growing God." in March of 2024. Karen, the mother of four daughters, resides in Wayland with her husband, Sam.
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Nicole Jorge Theiss, Director, is a Partner at the law firm of Casner & Edwards, LLP, where she principally works on domestic relations matters typically involving children. She lives with her wonderful Husband and daughters in Arlington where her children are very involved in sports, specifically, hockey, dance, soccer, lacrosse and baseball. Nicole has run many marathons and half marathons for child related charities, and has served as an Arlington Youth Soccer Coach because she truly enjoys being with and around children. She feels strongly that if you show a child you believe in them and show up for them, they will believe in themselves and show up for others. She is honored to be on the Board of the Dan Kelly Foundation as their mission epitomizes and espouses those same values and mindset.
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Rich Evans, Director, is a co-owner of a family-operated business in the home improvement industry.. He lives in Cohasset with his wife Lisa and has 3 children, Alec, Caroline and Brooke . A lifelong sports enthusiast, Rich played competitive sports throughout his life and was a friend and teammate to Dan Kelly on the St. Anselm's Hockey Team. He also served as a coach and volunteer in his hometown for many years. Rich is deeply passionate about the Foundation’s mission to help kids thrive through sports, a cause that truly honors Dan’s legacy.
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Ronnie Kerr, Director, is a Lieutenant on the Arlington Police where has worked for over 30 years. He has a lovely wife and 2 daughters. Ronnie has been involved in several programs in Arlington geared to getting kids off the street and onto the playground. He ran the Arlington Summer Pickup Basketball program for 10 years, which was a grant funded program by the Arlington Police and Arlington Recreation Department. He enjoys coaching kids because it’s great to see the confidence that goes along with being involved in sports.