Thread of Hope

Frank and Kimberly DeLape are determined to give kids “a chance”.

by Deborah Duncan

 
Statistics show that a young boy whose father abandons the family is more likely to live a life of crime. A boy who sees very little of his single mom because she is working two jobs to take care of him and his two sisters is more likely to drop out of school. A young girl living in a house with an alcoholic stepfather is more likely to commit suicide or abuse drugs. Society does not expect much from children who grow up with this kind of adversity.

But for Frank and Kimberly DeLape, their greatest setbacks during childhood became their greatest strengths in adulthood. Despite his difficult childhood, Frank DeLape didn’t become a criminal or drop out of school like statistics would suggest. Instead, after growing up in New Jersey, he went on to attend the United States Naval Academy, and is today a successful venture capitalist as the CEO of Benchmark Equity Group, based in Houston, Texas. Meanwhile, Kimberly DeLape, who grew up in Alabama, saw past her environment and attended the University of North Alabama, where she worked hard to make a better life for herself.

So why is it that Frank and Kimberly did not live up (or down) to what society expected of them? It’s because somebody along the way cared.

Although Frank’s mom couldn’t make it to all of his sporting events because of her job, she was his role model and biggest cheerleader. For Kimberly, it was her gymnastics coach, Debbie Wilson, who helped her find confidence and purpose. Her mom worked tirelessly just to keep the family, two sisters and a brother, together. Their moms gave them the foundation to stand upon, and good Samaritans along the way gave them lessons to build upon.

When you are a child clinging to a confusing life, it’s amazing how just one thin thread, one person who believes in you, can make the difference between living life and giving up on life. That’s why Frank and Kimberly are determined to be that thread for not only their three children, but for other kids as well. It’s not for bragging rights. It’s not to fill their social calendar. It’s to give children what Frank and Kimberly were given – a chance.

When Kimberly talks about the dancers at Bay Area Houston Ballet and Theatre, she tears up with passion. It’s an organization she supports not only for what you see on stage, but for what you see in these children. “It builds their confidence. It gives them an opportunity to express their feelings.” Her support is helping them to tiptoe through some of the rough spots in life, rather than stumble through them.

The DeLape’s philanthropy is far-reaching and diverse, but the main nonprofits they support include American Film Institute, Turning Point Shelter for Battered and Abused Women, scholarship programs, and After School All Stars. Started by Arnold Schwarzeneggar, After School All Stars was designed to build self-esteem and create a positive atmosphere for kids who are not participating in school activities and who could otherwise fall between society’s cracks. In an effort to direct their energies in a positive direction, after-school activities are set up for them at their school campuses.

The DeLapes support good programs simply because people ask. Kimberly says, “If there is a need and we can help, our faith prompts us to do what we can.” However, what is particularly touching and truly the mark of a philanthropic spirit is the help they extend to those who do not ask.

As we come upon the holiday season, I am reminded of something the DeLapes did last Christmas. A couple had adopted nine very troubled children. With every dollar going for necessities, the Jacksons had nothing left for toys and special treats. I mentioned to Frank and Kimberly how moved I was, because the kids told me, even with nothing under the tree, they still had the greatest gifts of all: love and family. Although that is priceless, Christmas for the Jacksons was made a little more special that year. I got a phone call from Kimberly. “Deb, Frank wants to talk to you.” Frank, a man of few words, just wanted to know, “Yeah. How many kids and how old are they?” and “Tell the boy whose face was burned, we can work on getting him Isolagen treatments that can fix that scar.” A day later, Kimberly showed up at the Jacksons’ home in person to deliver thousands of dollars in gift certificates to be spent on toys, clothes, and food.

They give with the knowledge of knowing what it is like to go without. Case in point: All Frank wanted one Christmas during his childhood was a baseball glove from his estranged divorced father. It never came. It wasn’t really about the glove; it was more about a little boy with a wounded heart who wanted somebody he loved to care enough to pick out something just for him. And then there was the Christmas when Frank traded his business suit for a Santa suit. He went to a shelter for abused mothers and children and had every child write down what they wanted that Christmas, and just like the “real” Santa, he delivered every single request. And when “Santa” went away, the DeLapes left behind more than a sleighful of toys. They left the kids with the gift of love. Those children knew Frank and Kimberly took time out to pick out something just for them. The DeLapes are true philanthropists…they care.