A Kid Again
Jared Buerger, Director of Development | Kevin Doll, CFP®, Senior Financial Advisor
June 13, 2025
Celebrating A Kid Again: Creating Joyful Memories
For four decades, PDS Planning has committed itself to more than financial guidance; we have always believed deeply in making meaningful contributions to our community. As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, this commitment shines brightly through a special charitable initiative focused on community, compassion, and connection.
40th Anniversary Charitable Initiative
As part of this milestone, we’re excited to spotlight three remarkable nonprofits selected by our team, each deeply aligned with causes we passionately support. Through your votes, one of these organizations will receive a $10,000 donation, while each runner-up will receive $1,000.
This month, we’re proud to highlight A Kid Again – Central Ohio Chapter, a nonprofit devoted to bringing joy, hope, and unforgettable experiences to families navigating unimaginable medical challenges.
Spotlighting A Kid Again
Founded right here in Columbus, Ohio, in 1995, A Kid Again has spent 30 years supporting families raising children with life-threatening medical conditions. The organization is uniquely focused on providing “Adventures,” year-round events designed to offer cost-free, carefree experiences for the entire family unit.
According to Jared Buerger, Director of Development for the Central Ohio Chapter, these Adventures “cover parking, meals, and admission at various venues around Central Ohio about once a month,” ensuring families have a chance to escape the daily stresses associated with medical treatment and financial strain.
Jared shared the scale and significance of their recent Adventure at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, a hallmark event that welcomed over 5,000 participants. “These experiences allow kids to fully participate in their childhood,” Jared says. “It’s an opportunity for families to step away from the medical journey and simply enjoy being together.”
A Kid Again’s impact extends beyond the momentary joy of these events. Jared emphasized, “These Adventures foster deeper family connections and lasting memories, crucial for families often isolated by their child’s condition.”
Stories of Courage and Connection
Jared shared the story of one of the A Kid Again families that has twin girls who live with sickle cell anemia, a condition that’s often invisible to outsiders yet profoundly affects daily life. “These girls can appear completely healthy, but their family makes over 100 emergency room visits a year. Conditions like this are isolating,” Jared explained. At A Kid Again Adventures, these children feel understood and accepted without question. “They told me, ‘Here, no one looks at us strangely. Everyone understands we’re all fighting something.'”
The PDS Connection
PDS Planning team members Beth McCampbell and Kevin Doll nominated A Kid Again after experiencing firsthand the immense value the organization provides. Kevin Doll, who has volunteered extensively with the nonprofit, shared a deeply personal testament: “It’s incredible not just what A Kid Again does, but the way they bring our entire community together. The mass amount of volunteers, all there pitching in, interacting joyfully with kids—it speaks volumes about this organization’s heart.”
Kevin highlighted how the nonprofit aligns profoundly with PDS’s core values, “We genuinely care about people, families, and community—it’s foundational to our philosophy. Collaborating with organizations like A Kid Again allows us to contribute meaningfully.”
Supporting Sustainability and Community
Jared candidly addressed current challenges faced by nonprofits, stressing the importance of community support, “It’s a tough time for nonprofits, with crucial funding streams drying up. Initiatives like the PDS campaign are vital because every dollar goes directly to supporting our families.” The potential $10,000 donation could significantly help A Kid Again continue providing transformative Adventures.
Besides financial contributions, Jared encourages community members to engage directly. “Our volunteer opportunities are amazing. We have volunteers who’ve been with us since the ’90s—our ‘OGs’—still dedicated today, and we welcome new supporters anytime,” he said.
Vote Now and Make a Difference!
Between now and October 31st, PDS Planning invites clients, friends, and our extended community to participate actively. Cast your vote daily for the charity you’d most like to support. Your involvement is a simple yet impactful way to help nonprofits like A Kid Again continue their invaluable work.
Remember, every vote, every day, helps make a substantial difference.
We invite you to learn more about A Kid Again and find ways to support its vital mission through donations of both time and talent.
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