Building Opportunity Through Community, Service, and Education Kelly’s Fund is an Indianapolis-based nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the service industry while creating meaningful opportunities for young people through education and community-driven initiatives.
Our Mission Kelly’s Fund exists to support the people and professions that shape our community while investing in the next generation. We focus our work at the intersection of:
The service and hospitality industry
Youth education and skill development
Community-led initiatives with measurable outcomes
Our approach is practical, place-based, and designed for long-term impact.
What We Do Kelly’s Fund develops and supports initiatives that convert community engagement into real opportunity. Our work includes:
Creating community platforms, such as Monumental Chef Showdown, that elevate professionals while funding education
Partnering with sponsors and organizations aligned with workforce development, education, and local impact
Rather than one-time efforts, Kelly’s Fund builds systems that connect industry, education, and community in sustainable ways.
Junior Chef Academy Junior Chef Academy is a youth culinary education program supported by Kelly’s Fund and serving middle school students across Indianapolis. The program provides:
Hands-on culinary instruction
Mentorship from experienced professionals
Exposure to culinary and hospitality career pathways
Junior Chef Academy has produced multiple nationally recognized outcomes, including two Junior World Champions and a third-place finisher at the World Food Championships, demonstrating the effectiveness of its model.
The Monumental Chef Showdown The Monumental Chef Showdown is Kelly’s Fund’s flagship community initiative. The event:
Celebrates Indianapolis chefs and the service industry
Engages the broader community
Generates direct support for Junior Chef Academy
Designed as a repeatable platform, Monumental Chef Showdown brings together chefs, sponsors, and partners to create shared value for education and industry.
Leadership and Governance Kelly’s Fund is led by Tommy Reddicks, CEO of Paramount Schools of Excellence, President of Kelly’s Fund, and Founder and Program Director of Junior Chef Academy. Reddicks provides strategic leadership focused on mission alignment, program quality, and long-term sustainability. Kelly’s Fund operates in collaboration with educators, culinary professionals, and community partners who guide day-to-day program execution and ensure accountability. The organization is committed to clear governance, responsible stewardship, and outcomes-driven work.
Our Approach Kelly’s Fund believes that effective nonprofit work:
Is grounded in real skills and experience
Values collaboration over charity
Measures success by outcomes, not intention
By aligning education, industry, and community, Kelly’s Fund creates pathways that benefit both today’s professionals and tomorrow’s leaders.
Get Involved Kelly’s Fund works with sponsors, partners, chefs, and community members who share a commitment to education, opportunity, and local impact.
To learn more about partnering with Kelly’s Fund or supporting our initiatives, we invite you to connect with us. [Get Involved →]
Kelly’s Fund An Indianapolis-based nonprofit organization supporting the service industry and youth education through community-driven initiatives. Indianapolis, Indiana 📧 Email Kelly’s Fund is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
