Keith started Rainbow Network in 1995 with his wife Karen as a way to share the success they had found in life.
Keith has served on the Habitat for Humanity Board with former President Jimmy Carter, Habitat founder and Former President Millard Fuller, and author Tony Capolo, among many others. When the Jaspers decided to use their own funds to start a charity, they wanted to go somewhere where there was a real need and a scarcity of charities already in place.
Two things that are very evident in the success of Rainbow Network are Keith’s business sense and his love of family. Keith and Karen built their successful businesses through hard work. This left them with the satisfaction of working hard and earning a better life – a value that is imparted through the programs of Rainbow Network.
The Jaspers were married in 1962. Keith and Karen went into business for themselves when they bought a bowling center in Worthington, Minnesota in the late 1970’s. In 1982, they moved to Springfield, MO, and bought Battlefield Lanes. They later sold the Battlefield Lanes and purchased four hotels in early 90’s. Profit from the hotels were initially used to start and operate The Rainbow Network in 1995 until it became a public charity in 2002.
Keith and Karen are members of Campbell United Methodist Church in Springfield, MO, and. The Jaspers family consists of two daughters, Kelly and Kari, and a son, Steve. They also have nine grandchildren. They are a very close family.
Jaspers, now enjoying a peaceful retirement, still dedicates his time and energy to the operation and development of The Rainbow Network.
