Strong Bodies, Strong Minds: How Kingdom for Kids Builds More Than Playgrounds

At the Rotary Club of San Antonio’s October 15 luncheon, members were reminded that Kingdom for Kids is about much more than swing sets and slides—it’s about changing lives. Past President Rick Cavender led a lively panel discussion featuring three nonprofit leaders whose organizations have partnered with Rotary to build playgrounds that strengthen bodies, minds, and communities alike.

The panelists—Judy Geelhoed, Executive Director of the SAISD Foundation; Leah Rosenauer, President and CEO of Girls Inc. of San Antonio; and Blair Ortmann, Vice President of Mission Advancement for CASA (Child Advocates of San Antonio)—each shared how these projects have transformed their campuses and the children they serve.

Playgrounds with Purpose

For Geelhoed, Rotary’s impact is visible every day: more than 4,000 students across San Antonio ISD schools play on Rotary-built playgrounds. “For many of our kids, those are the safest and best places to play,” she said. “You’ve transformed asphalt lots into spaces filled with color, laughter, and possibility.”

At Girls Inc., Rosenauer described how the playground Rotary helped build became the heart of their new campus—a place where girls can be “strong, smart, and bold.” She recounted stories of creativity and connection, from girls inventing games using sticks as currency to campers from Haven for Hope simply enjoying the chance to “just be kids.”

Ortmann of CASA spoke movingly about how play supports healing for children in foster care. “When they’re on our playground, they can finally relax,” she said. “It’s often the first place they’ve felt completely safe. That’s when they start to open up.”

Community Collaboration and Enduring Impact

Panelists reflected on how the Kingdom for Kids projects bring together Rotarians, corporate partners, City Year volunteers, and community members in a shared spirit of purpose. “When students see hundreds of adults show up to build something for them, they know they matter,” said Geelhoed. “That joy is unforgettable.”

Cavender also paid tribute to Harvey Najim and the Najim Charitable Foundation, whose generosity has supported 22 Kingdom for Kids playgrounds—an investment of more than $1.5 million. Najim’s contributions to San Antonio nonprofits now total $130 million. Panelists agreed that his leadership and hands-on engagement have been transformative for their organizations.

Looking Ahead

As Rotary prepares for Kingdom for Kids XXIX, set for November 14–15 at the YWCA San Antonio, Cavender expressed pride in the legacy of service the project represents. “Every child deserves a place to play,” he said. “And every Rotarian who has lifted a shovel or painted a mural has helped build something much bigger than a playground.”