aboutus

Kids Incorporated was founded by Dr. Ray Leo Lessert Jr. in 1964. Mr Lessert was born in Ponca
City in 1920. He graduated from Ponca City High School in 1939. After a stint in World War II, he
returned home to pursue a career in Veterinary Medicine. In 1954, Ray Lessert received a degree
from A & M School of Veterinary Medicine and opened a practice west of Ponca City.

Before Kids Inc. began Dr. Lessert needed a place for a Ponca City semi-pro baseball team to
play. He Donated almost sixteen acres toward the building of a ball field complex. When Kids Inc.
First got off the ground there was only one ball field. After word got out about the complex, Kids
Inc became an established program in the McCord area community.

Dr. Lessert wanted a safe environment for the McCord and surrounding area kids to come
together, play ball, and have fun. He wanted the fields to be readily available to anyone wanting to
play regardless of age, race, religion, or abilities. He is quoted as saying, "If kids have gloves in
their handsd and cleats on their feet, then we're keeping them out of trouble."

Although Ray Lessert died in 1997, his legacy still carries on through the heart and dedication of
like minded players, coaches, parents, families, and friends. As long as kids are still playing
baseball, softball and t-ball, there will always be a Kids Inc. We will keep his dream alive.