INDIANA – Kids and Car Safety has launched the Janette Fennell Legacy Campaign, a $500,000 initiative to strengthen the organization’s future and ensure its life-saving work continues as founder Janette Fennell recovers from injuries sustained in a serious car crash.
For more than 30 years, Fennell has led national efforts to prevent children from dying or being seriously injured in and around motor vehicles. Her advocacy has helped advance vehicle safety technology, strengthen legislation, influence public policy, and educate millions of families on preventable dangers including hot car deaths, backover incidents, vehicle submersion, power window strangulation, and other nontraffic vehicle hazards.
While Fennell focuses on her recovery, Kids and Car Safety remains committed to advancing the mission she built. “It’s hard to imagine a woman who has dedicated her life to protecting children and supporting families experiencing such a terrifying incident, yet we know vehicle dangers don’t discriminate,” said Amber Rollins, Executive Director of Kids and Car Safety. “The Legacy Campaign is about ensuring that the work of KACS continues with the strength and momentum it deserves for generations to come.”
The campaign seeks to raise $500,000 to support the organization’s advocacy, research, education, and public awareness efforts. A generous donor has committed a $50,000 dollar-for-dollar matching gift, doubling every donation until the match is met.
This wasn’t Fennell’s first vehicle-related scare. In 1995, Janette and her husband were kidnapped at gunpoint, forced into the trunk of their car, and driven to a secluded location where they were assaulted, robbed, and left for dead in the trunk of their car. The couple had no idea as to the whereabouts of their 9-month-old baby who had been in the back seat when they were kidnapped. Read the full story here. This terrifying experience led to Fennell’s dedicated career in injury prevention and child safety.
“For three decades, Janette has fought to prevent tragedies before they happen,” Rollins said. “This campaign ensures that the mission continues to protect children and save lives.”
To learn more about the Janette Fennell Legacy Campaign or make a contribution, visit KidsAndCars.org.
