KFC Foundation gives Bend’s Treehouse Therapies $10,000 for ‘Kentucky Fried Wish’ — an outdoor play space

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The KFC Foundation is giving back to Bend-based nonprofit Treehouse Therapies, which provides pediatric physical, occupational and behavioral health therapy to over 700 children annually, granting them $10,000 to make a project on their wish list come true.

Kentucky Fried Wishes, one of the KFC Foundation’s community giving programs, invites non-profit organizations to apply for a grant to fund a project on their wish list. This year, the KFC Foundation will fund $1 million in Kentucky Fried Wishes to 100 non-profits nationwide, with 25 grants awarded quarterly based on different project categories.

“We are so grateful to the KFC Foundation for this generous Kentucky Fried Wishes grant, which will help our organization add an outdoor play space to foster therapeutic opportunities and serve as a sanctuary for families and children with a disability,” said Christen Eby, Executive Director of Treehouse Therapies.

With locations in Bend, Redmond, and Warm Springs, Treehouse Therapies offers physical and occupational therapy, as well as behavioral health services, to children from birth through adolescence in a child-centered, family-oriented setting.

In 2019, Treehouse Therapies purchased a small farm and house in Redmond, transforming them into a pediatric therapy clinic. The funding from the Kentucky Fried Wishes grant will allow the organization to expand the clinic with the addition of an outdoor play space.

“As the KFC Foundation celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, we are thrilled to grant 100 Kentucky Fried Wishes totaling one million dollars this year,” said Emma Horn, Executive Director, KFC Foundation. “We’re proud to support these non-profits in furthering their missions and grateful for all they do to make a difference in their communities.”

Kentucky Fried Wishes is just one way the KFC Foundation supports, empowers, and serves joy to KFC restaurant employees and communities. The KFC Foundation also provides programs focused on education, financial, and hardship assistance for KFC restaurant employees, and a food donation program to fight hunger and food waste.

The KFC Foundation receives financial support from Round Up fundraising and its annual donation program, a voluntary program where KFC franchisees donate to the KFC Foundation every time they order a case of Secret Recipe Fries.

The next grant cycle for Kentucky Fried Wishes is running from July 15-31, with a focus on expanding access to food and shelter. Non-profit organizations seeking funding for a project within that scope can learn more and apply for a grant at kfcfoundation.org/wishes.