The DeKalb County Community Foundation is happy to announce the Randy and Christy Hayes Charitable Family Fund. This new Donor Advised Fund aligns with the charitable interests of Randy and Christy Hayes and provides them an opportunity to participate in philanthropy as a family.

Randy and Christy have lived in DeKalb County for most of their lives. Randy grew up in DeKalb and graduated from DeKalb High School. Christy graduated from Sycamore High School and received an associate’s degree in business at Kishwaukee College. They married in 1981 and settled in DeKalb shortly after. In 1985, they opened Hayes Body Shop Inc. in DeKalb, and in 2000, they moved the body shop to its current location in Sycamore. After 36 years of operation, they sold the business in October 2021 to Gerber Collision and Glass.

“God has blessed us with an amazing opportunity to run a successful business in a wonderful community,” Christy exclaimed. “Ending that chapter of our life was really hard. Our customers were a pleasure to work with, and many became great friends. Collision repair typically goes hand in hand with a challenging time of life; we’re grateful that we could be there to help.”

The Hayes have three daughters, Cassie, Kelsey, and Carlie. All three graduated from DeKalb High School, and two of the three are still living in the area. As of June 2022, Randy and Christy have six grandchildren. They look forward to spending more time enjoying the gifts of family and grandchildren.

The family looks forward to the annual discussions about where to direct their Fund’s grant dollars. They indicated various charitable interests within the community, focusing on those who serve the elderly and youth. A few organizations they wish to support include Make a Difference DKC (mobile pack event for DeKalb County), Voluntary Action Center, and faith-based organizations that work to meet the needs of residents.

“We are honored to assist the Hayes family with their giving,” said Dan Templin, Community Foundation Executive Director. “Local business owners like the Hayes family keeping their philanthropy and support local is inspiring and helps maintain our positive quality of life in DeKalb County.”

Donations to any Fund at the Community Foundation, including the Randy and Christy Hayes Charitable Family Fund, can be made online or by mail to the DeKalb County Community Foundation – 475 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, IL 60178. For questions or to start your own charitable Fund, please contact Dan Templin at 815-748-5383 or dan@dekalbccf.org.