EKC FOUNDERS

Introduction:

Every Kid Counts was founded by a good number of individual business and community leaders, through their ideas and/or past support of children’s charity programs. However, the responsibility in researching and development of this charity lies in the hands of the following:

Robert Jonathan Perelka

Gordon & Kay Le Blanc, Jr.

Michael William Gibson

Sherdrick Bonner

Calvin Schexnayder

Robert J. Perelka (Rob) was raised in Lompoc, California. Graduating from Santa Barbara City College in 1989, Rob received an associate’s degree in Electronic/Computer Technologym, he was later recruited to attend school and play football at Northern Arizona University. Graduating in 1992 with bachelors degrees in Communications and Engineering Technology, Rob joined the staff of the Arizona Rattlers Arena Football Organization, where he was with them for four seasons. Rob has spent many years coaching young athletes in the areas of football, baseball, softball and soccer. His greatest coaching accomplishment was in 1996 where he coached his Bandits - Jr. Bantam Pop-Warner football team to an Arizona State Championship.

Rob is the  President and founder of Kidco Products, Inc and Sunbelt Special Events Companies that provide financial and product support for the charity and many other organizations and schools. He is currently serving as the President of the Scottsdale Sunrise Kiwis Club, is a member of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, serves as precinct committee member for the Republican Party in District 8,  as well as Arizona District Governor for Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity, supporting chapters in Arizona and California.

Rob has served as President of Every Kid Counts for 9 of the 10 plus years the organization has been in existence. He was the recipient of the George Washington Award, the highest national award presented by the Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge in 2000. In addition, Rob was named Phoenix's top 100 volunteers in that same year. Rob is not married and has no kids of his own, however, is a big brother and uncle figure to many. He says he looks forward to meeting that someone special, to share his work and maybe even start a family of his own someday soon.

Gordon Le Blanc, Jr. is President of Cayenne Records and Red Truck Entertainment. Gordon has been married to his wife Kay for 27 years.  They have three children, two grandchildren and reside in Phoenix, Arizona.

Michael William Gibson is originally from Dallas, Texas, but moved to Arizona in 1994 and became the general manager of Sam’s Club on 48th Street and Washington. Mike served a year and a half as the organization’s first official Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mike resides in Dallas, Texas with his wife Lori and child.

Sherdrick Bonner is still a members and Quarterback of the two time World Champion Arizona Rattlers Arena Football Team. He resides in Phoenix and in the off season is involved with covering various High School sporting events.

Calvin Schexnayder is currently playing with the San Jose Saber Cats Arena Football team.  Over the years Calvin has remained involved with EKC and is one of the primary architects for the development of the "Athletes in the School Program". In the spring of 1997, Calvin became our first ever athlete to work in the schools at Maryvale High School. His program was a big success and is still in place and expanding. Calvin resides in Phoenix in the off season with his and two children.