Charity Begins at Home
The photo at the top of the page was taken in August 2005, the morning Kipngetich (Kip) Rutto left Kenya to come to the United States. Ever since, Kip felt a deep calling to stay connected with and give back to the community that raised him. As a student athlete, he would skip his lunch at away meets to send his meal stipend (about $20, roughly 2,000 Kenyan Shillings) back home to contribute to “harambees:” school fees, hospital and bereavement bills, etc. for folks struggling in his village. As he grew roots in the US, serving in the United States Army and starting a career in healthcare, he continued to support the education needs of vulnerable youth with whatever he could spare. In 2013, he took his partner Mindy to visit Kenya and meet his family. Before they left, Mindy’s Aunt, inspired by Kip’s work, donated to his causes for their trip. Upon their return, Kip wanted to repay her kind act and began volunteering at her lumber mill. A few years later Kip and Mindy purchased that lumber mill and began their journey to create what is now Rutto Bats.
These small, mutual acts of kindness sparked a purpose in the couple, and inspired a lifestyle based on entrepreneurship and philanthropy. In 2018 they formed their 501(c)3 Non-Profit, Ticha (Tea-cha) Foundation, creating a brighter future through targeted youth and community empowerment and opportunity projects in East Africa and the US.
TICHA FOUNDATION
TICHA BASEBALL
Ticha Foundation offers youth invaluable life skills and lessons afforded through the intensive exposure to the game of baseball. With high quality support and resources, Ticha helps young people to embrace and cultivate their unique skills and talents in the sport, ultimately empowering them in their lives. Baseball is the channel through which inclusivity is prioritized and all facets of self-growth are fostered. Additionally, young athletes are given opportunities to showcase their abilities where competition intersects with cooperation. Whether playing for fun and learning the art of teamwork, bolstering one’s dedication and mental fortitude, or polishing the finesse required of an elite-level competitor, participants emerge represented, prepared, confident, and resilient.
TICHA
EDUCATION
Ticha creates an environment of accountability for youth, their families, and leaders in the education system to strengthen and sustain student enrollment amongst those most vulnerable. Coupled with mentorship, counseling and guidance, Ticha connects and assists students with the resources necessary to reach their full potential throughout the academic journey.
“HELPING ONE CHILD GO THROUGH SCHOOL CAN PROVIDE THE HOPE AND MOTIVATION NEEDED TO CHANGE THE TRAJECTORY OF A WHOLE FAMILY FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.”
-Kip Rutto
Owner/Founder, Rutto Bats & Ticha Foundation
TICHA COMMUNITY WELFARE
Healthy families and communities lay the foundation for the success of our youth. Ticha understands the importance and significance of addressing and supporting the needs of the local community so that youth can grow in an environment that builds their sense of confidence and individual creativity, and fosters the development of the skills and experiences necessary to succeed in academics, sports and beyond. Therefore, in addition to youth programs and supports, Ticha participates in funding community events and emergencies that arise in unique times of need.