West Orange-based Kool Kids Foundation, founded in 2011 by the late Sakinah Deborah Bell—whose husband, Robert “Kool” Bell, fronted the Grammy-winning music group Kool & the Gang—aimed to create opportunities for young people to have access to music education by providing instruments, uniforms and financial support for schools and youth programs in music and the performing arts.
After his wife’s death in 2018, Bell continued the foundation to honor her legacy. Participating schools submit their music-related needs to the foundation, which works to fulfill those needs by purchasing instruments and other essential resources.
The foundation’s theme is “It’s Kool to keep music alive in schools,” which forwards their goal to keep music education in as many classrooms as possible.
Bell credits the Boys & Girls Club of Jersey City with playing a role in his own development, providing a supportive environment that helped set him on the path to musical success.
Events and products that support Kool Kids include an annual golf classic and a ladies luncheon that honors women in the arts, as well as the Le Kool champagne brand.
The nonprofit has supported Weequahic and Shabazz high schools in Newark and helped to preserve independent music programs in Montclair. Its reach also extends to Cuba, Brazil and Curaçao.
