Meet Westchester resident Kelly Fitzpatrick, and her new idea, Van-Go Wagon Co. “I’ve spent years building community through family-focused programs and events. Together with my sister, Rachel Lennon, we are launching a new business designed to meet children where they are.
“Van-Go is a mobile creative studio for kids. On the surface, it looks like a bright van full of art supplies, imaginative fun, and playful energy popping up at birthday parties, festivals, and school events.
“But there’s more: every booking helps fund free mobile outreach to kids in need, from underserved areas, to those impacted by grief or trauma, or just when a little extra care and comfort is needed.
“In 2017, our brother was killed in a catastrophic United States Marine Corps aviation accident that took the lives of 16 service members. In the years since, our family has been on the receiving end of incredible care, the kind of support that shows up quietly and consistently when it’s needed most. We know what it feels like to be held by a community, and now we want to pay that forward.
“Van-Go Wagon Co. was born from both grief and gratitude. Every step of our journey—personal, professional, and deeply human—has brought us to this moment.
“Losing our brother shattered us. But in the wake of that loss, we experienced the kind of care that reminds you the world is still good. It showed us the power of community showing up. And it planted a seed: someday, we would create something that could show up for others in the same way.
“As a former NYC public school teacher, I saw how much kids crave connection, especially when traditional resources fall short. Many of my early students had art on a cart because there wasn’t a classroom available—but creativity always found a way. And years later when I pulled a wagon full of supplies into public spaces in my new role with Macaroni KID, kids flocked to it. They didn’t need instructions. They just needed an invitation.
“Meanwhile, my sister was supporting large-scale recovery efforts, helping communities rebuild after disaster. At a rare moment of pause in our lives, we once again experienced community care first hand ourselves, while on a retreat for siblings living through military loss.
“On the receiving end of community based care infused with art, things began to click. We began to talk more about what it looks like to help families feel grounded and whole, not just with shelter or food, but with joy, ritual, and moments of laughter and love that reconnect them to themselves and each other.
“And now, after years of serving others, healing, giving and dreaming, Van-Go is our way of bringing it all together.
“We live in a time when families are more stressed, disconnected, and overscheduled than ever. Screens dominate our kids’ lives. Play is shrinking. And not every family has the time, transportation, or resources to seek out enriching experiences.
“So we’re flipping the script. We’re going to them with a van full of color, curiosity, and care. We’re building Van-Go to be mobile, inclusive, and restorative. And we’re doing it now because kids don’t get this season of childhood back.
“Together, we’re creating something mobile, meaningful, and joy-filled: a VW Vanagon transformed into a mobile art and sensory play studio that meets kids where they are—both literally and emotionally. We’ve secured the van, mapped the build, welcomed our pilot partners, and are ready to launch.
“The Kickstarter funds will help cover the van and its’ modifications, art supply inventory, launch event costs, marketing and insurance. We’ll run private, paid events to support funding crisis-response pop-ups.
“In fact, we’ve already been invited to several community events, including two backpack drives, a children’s memorial, and a veteran’s benefit. We know there is no shortage of need and we can’t wait to get our first van ready for the road.”
Kelly has created a kickstarter campaign to raise funds for the vans. Go to
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/vangowagonco/drive-van-go-forward-art-adventures-that-give-back to learn more. They have already raised more than $25,000.
See the flyer with upcoming dates in Westchester to check it out.
Good Luck Kelly, what a wonderful idea! And the VW Vanagon brings back great memories!
