DULUTH, Ga., April 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Owners of Kids 'R' Kids schools from across the nation gathered in Frisco, TX March 31st through April 2nd for their Annual Owners Conference. The three day event was designed to enable participants to share best practices and to learn about the latest trends in early childhood education, from AdvancED accreditation to industry-leading products and services. This year's Kids 'R' Kids Owners Conference also commemorated the 50th anniversary of the opening of co-founders Pat and Janice Vinson's first preschool in March of 1961.

The Vinsons have a long history of giving back through their support of both national and local charities, and they have led the system of over 160 Kids 'R' Kids schools to follow suit. During this year's three-day conference, participants raised $60,000 through various activities, with the proceeds designated for three charities: Helping A Hero (national charity that builds/adapts homes for wounded veterans), The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  These fund raising activities were made possible through generous donations from Hatch, Inc., Lasseter Bus and Mobility, Kaplan Early Learning Company, and Kids 'R' Kids International, Inc. At the conclusion of this year's conference Janice Vinson announced that Kids 'R' Kids International would match the funds raised by franchisees, bringing the total disbursed to over $120,000.00!

The opening session of the conference provided inspiration for raising significant funds for all three charities. Conference leadership was provided by the Kilgore family (owners of four Kids 'R' Kids Schools in the Houston area) who arranged for the presentation from Helping A Hero of a new home to Sergeant First Class John Walding; Sgt. Walding was severely injured in the Afghanistan war. On hand to help with presentation of the home was Captain Scott O'Grady (Air Force Retired) who evaded enemy capture and survived on his own for six days during the Bosnian war. "Seeing these heroes in person inspired all of us to participate generously during the conference," said Kevin Kilgore, Jr. "I am proud of my fellow Kids 'R' Kids owners for stepping up to support such worthy causes."

About Kids 'R' Kids®

Headquartered in the North Atlanta suburb of Duluth, GA, Kids 'R' Kids Schools of Quality Learning® provide a secure, nurturing, and educational environment for children (ages 6 weeks - 12 years) to bloom into responsible, considerate, and contributing members of society. With over 160 locations in 15 states, Kids 'R' Kids International® is a family owned and operated organization that ranks in the top 10 nationwide for franchised early childhood education centers (www.kidsrkids.com).

Contact: Glen Sloan
Office (770) 279-7777
Cell (678) 234-8305

SOURCE Kids 'R' Kids International, Inc.