Central Texas boy using childhood artwork to raise money for nonprofit that helps first responders and veterans

WACO, Texas (KWTX) - A young boy in Central Texas whose mom and dad are both Waco police officers is using his childhood artwork to raise money for a nonprofit that supports first responders, veterans, and their families.

Gunner Caldara, 8, is helping the American Valor Foundation which was founded by the local family of Navy Seal and sniper Chris Kyle, who was the subject of the Oscar-award winning film “American Sniper” and known as the deadliest sniper in U.S. history.

Chris was killed in 2013 at a shooting range near Glen Rose by a veteran he was trying to help.

Since that time, his family has been working to keep his legacy alive by helping other heroes and their families.

Caldara had no idea when he came up with his design a few years ago that his artwork would be used to support the Kyle family’s efforts.

“When I was 6, I decided to just draw one day. I drew a smiley face, two Xs as the eyes and my parents were like ‘you want to add anything to that?”

That’s when the young boy decided to add the phrase “you are worth it” to his picture. With the help of his Waco Police Officer mom, Kalyn, and fellow officer dad, Frank, Gunner began to sell shirts, hats, and stickers with the simple but inspiring logo on it.

“We just started selling a bunch of shirts and hats and stickers,” Gunner said.

The logo caught the attention of Frank’s partner at work, Waco Police Officer Jeff Kyle, the younger brother of Chris Kyle who now serves as President of American Valor Foundation.

Jeff and his family in Central Texas, including Chris’s parents Wayne and Deby, started American Valor Foundation to help support our nation’s best.

As Gunner got to know Jeff and learned more about his Chris Kyle’s legacy, he immediately knew he wanted his artwork to go toward supporting the group’s mission.

“I picked American Valor Foundation to donate money to because I know a lot of first responders in my family and a lot of people who serve in the military especially Jeff Kyle, brother of Chris Kyle, so I just really love that I’m donating money to them to help people who served in the military and first responders, “Gunner said. “I’m just really glad to get to partner with them.”

Gunner was able to donate $500 to the American Valor Foundation at last year’s Chris Kyle Memorial Benefit.

His goal this year is to raise $1,000 to give at the Chris Kyle Memorial benefit April 27 in San Antonio.

Jeff said American Valor Foundation couldn’t be prouder to partner with a young man with such a big heart.

“To see a young man like Gunner have such a selfless and caring heart is nothing short of amazing,” Jeff said. “We are honored that he and his family have chosen our foundation to support. We should all strive be more like Gunner and his ‘you are worth it’ motto.”

If you’d like to purchase an item with Gunner’s artwork to benefit to the American Valor Foundation you can go to @thecraftycaldaraco on Instagram or Facebook.

You can also email g.youareworthit@gmail.com.

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