In the last year, our beloved Rudy Bear has been turned into 3D-printed keychains and ornaments, and our therapy rooms have been stocked with fun fidget toys, all thanks to the generosity of 15-year-old Quinton (Q) Smith.
Q launched his 3D printing business 3Q1Prints out of his family’s basement when he was just 11 years old. In 2024, after selling keychains at the Chiefs parade, Q gave one to a fan decked out in Chiefs gear. Two days later, than same fan took to Facebook to try to find Q and thank him. That social media post went viral, and soon Q had 1,000+ keychain orders from around the country.
That one act of kindness launched KC Kind, a branch of 3Q1 Prints focused on designing and donating 3D printed keychains to local organizations from Children’s Mercy to The Children’s Place.
Thanks to Q’s generosity, the backpacks we send home with the children in our Day Treatment program now have Rudy Bear keychains adorning them, providing a fun accessory for the kids to enjoy and also designating that these backpacks are specifically for our food pantry program. Q also 3D printed more than 100 custom-designed Rudy Bear ornaments to be given in gratitude to donors for our 2025 Giving Tuesday campaign.
Always looking for new ways to give back, Q celebrated Random Acts of Kindness Day in February by delivering school supplies that helped fill the backpacks of our graduates headed off to kindergarten this fall.
“Q has stepped up in so many ways to support The Children’s Place this last year,” said Amanda Steitz, Stewardship & Volunteer Coordinator. “No matter the ask, his answer is always yes! Q’s generosity is an inspiring example for all ages.”
And for those who will be joining us in person at the Gratitude Bruncheon, you’ll get to take home your very own custom-designed 3Q1 masterpiece!
The Emerging Philanthropist Award will be awarded at the Gratitude Bruncheon on August 27. Meet the other honorees of Gratitude Bruncheon 2026 here.
