We believe it takes a village to end childhood hunger. That’s why our family is fighting this growing problem in our own communities in Portage, Stark and Summit counties. By working closely with school districts in the area and the counties at large, we can beat this epidemic. We each bring our own strengths to the fight against hunger. Read below to learn more about each of ours.
Ben Curtis began playing golf at the age of three at Mill Creek Golf Club in Ostrander, Ohio, a course built by his grandfather and still run by his family today.
In 1996, Ben came to Kent State university to play under reowned head coach Herb Page. He became a three-time All-American and graduated in 2000. Kent State in also where he met his wife, Candace.
While golf has opened many doors for Ben, starting the Ben Curtis Family Foundation has been the most fulfilling opportunity of all, allowing him to use the game he loves to help address childhood food insecurity in their local communities.
Candace Curtis played golf at Kent State University, where she met her husband, Ben, and graduated in 2002. She is deeply connected to the communities the Ben Curtis Family Foundation serves, with her children having attended Kent City Schools, the first district where BCFF began its work.
As the foundation has grown, Candace’s role has expanded alongside it. With a growing team and an increasing number of school districts served, she remains actively involved both behind the scenes and out in the community.
Candace oversees all aspects of the Ben Curtis Family Foundation, providing strategic direction while remaining closely involved in programs, partnerships, marketing, and events. She works to share BCFF’s vision across the communities it serves and beyond and is a passionate advocate for raising awareness, always ready to talk with anyone who will listen about how they can help support children facing food insecurity.
Sara Beatty graduated from Kent State University in 2003 with a degree in business. She is the mother of two high school-aged children who attend a school served by the Ben Curtis Family Foundation, giving her a deeply personal connection to the work.
Sara manages the day-to-day operations of the foundation and coordinates all BCFF programs, including Birdie Bags and A Very Merry Dinner. She works closely with school champions to strengthen relationships, support program planning, and ensure students’ needs are accurately understood and met.
In addition, Sara serves as the liaison for all BCFF volunteers, coordinating sign-ups for events and Birdie Bag packing, and overseeing program and impact reporting. Her organization, care, and hands-on leadership help ensure our programs run smoothly and with purpose.
Diane Beatty, affectionately known as “Gigi,” was born and raised in Kent. She is a mother of two and a grandmother of four, and her deep roots in the community shape her passion for the work we do.
After working in Kent City Schools for many years, Diane saw firsthand the need for greater support for children experiencing food insecurity. Today, she handles all donations and accounting for the Ben Curtis Family Foundation, ensuring every dollar is stewarded with care.
Diane works diligently to maximize resources so that as much as possible goes directly back to the children we serve. From behind-the-scenes financial oversight to her welcoming presence at events, she brings both heart and trust to everything she does.
The heart of BCFF has always been family—built on people coming together for a common purpose. Every meal, every Birdie Bag, every smile is made possible by those who stand behind our mission. With new members joining our BCFF family, we are reaching more children across three counties and are stronger than ever in our fight to end childhood hunger.
Nicole graduated in May 2025 from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration. She majored in Marketing with a concentration in Social Media Marketing and minored in Nonprofit Studies. She leads the organization’s marketing efforts, driving campaigns that strengthen brand awareness and maximize community impact. With expertise in social media strategy, Nicole ensures the foundation’s voice reaches and engages a broad audience. Beyond marketing, she plays an integral role in planning and executing fundraising events, helping to advance the organization’s mission and expand its reach.
Kristen graduated in December 2004 from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Education. She has been married to her college sweetheart for 20 years, and together they are raising four teenagers. As Donor Relations Coordinator, Kristen strengthens the foundation’s donor engagement efforts, cultivating relationships that expand the organization’s impact and mission. With a focus on strategy and connection, she ensures donors feel valued and invested in the foundation’s work. Beyond donor relations, Kristen plays an integral role in advancing initiatives that support growth and long-term sustainability.
The core mission of the Ben Curtis Family Foundation is to help alleviate childhood hunger. Through our Birdie Bag Program and A Very Merry Dinner, the children we serve are at the heart of every decision we make.