The ReesSpecht Life Foundation was founded in memory of Richard Edwin-Ehmer Specht (“Rees”), with a mission to inspire kindness, promote water safety, and support children and families in need.

Through its Cultivate Kindness Programs, the foundation provides engaging, school assembly–based presentations that teach students of all ages the importance of kindness, empathy, and community. These programs have reached over half a million children and adults, showing them how even small acts of compassion can create a ripple effect of positivity.

The foundation’s ReesSpecht the Water initiative is dedicated to preventing childhood drownings by educating families, schools, and communities about water safety. Partnering with schools and organizations, the program provides interactive presentations, resources, and materials—empowering children with lifesaving knowledge.

In addition, the foundation hosts an annual holiday toy drive that has brought joy to tens of thousands of children. To date, the drive has supplied over 50,000 toys to families facing hardship, ensuring that the spirit of generosity and kindness touches those who need it most.

Together, these programs reflect the foundation’s core belief that even the smallest acts of kindness can spark a movement of hope, safety, and compassion.