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The spirit of giving often emerges in the most unexpected places. Among those who exemplify this principle are children who harness their creativity and compassion to assist others in need. This article highlights inspiring stories of young philanthropists who have significantly impacted their communities through innovative fundraising efforts.
Ben’s remarkable journey of generosity
A simple voicemail from ten-year-old Ben to Frank Colarusso, the former executive director of the Mary Bridge Children’s Foundation, initiated a wave of generosity in 2006. Noticing a lack of rocking chairs in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) during his cousin’s extended stay, Ben decided to donate his allowance toward a hospital-grade rocker. Upon learning that his contribution would not cover the full cost, he reached out to Colarusso, leading to the inception of Ben’s Rock-A-Thon.
During the Mary Bridge Children’s Festival of Trees that same year, Ben passionately spoke about his mission and collected donations, resulting in an impressive total of $85,000. This amount was sufficient to equip every NICU room with a new rocking chair. In recognition of his selflessness, Ben received the first-ever Youth Hero award at the Bridge Builders annual donor luncheon.
Ryder’s athletic achievements for a cause
Fast forward to 2026, at the same Bridge Builders event, another young hero emerged: 15-year-old Ryder. Surprised by the announcement of his own Youth Hero award, Ryder shared how his mother, Jennifer, encouraged him to turn his love for football into a force for good. He initiated a fundraising campaign by asking friends and family to pledge money for each touchdown he scored during the season, aiming to support the local children’s hospital that has been instrumental for many of his teammates.
The impact of teamwork
With the support of his parents, Ryder’s efforts culminated in an impressive $7,355 raised during his seventh-grade season. As he transitioned to eighth grade, he invited his football team to join his fundraising initiative, thereby expanding their collective impact. Now a high school student, Ryder is preparing to replicate this success with his lacrosse team. He stated, “It feels rewarding to combine what you love with helping others. When you achieve something for a good cause, it amplifies the joy.”
Quinn’s journey from patient to philanthropist
Quinn’s story mirrors Ryder’s, rooted in personal experience. Following a stay at Mary Bridge Children’s for an inflamed appendix, he found solace in playing Mario Kart during his recovery, which sparked his desire to give back. After returning home, Quinn saved his allowance to purchase gift cards for the Child Life Services’ gaming program, which uses technology to aid young patients in coping with their hospital experiences.
Inspiring community support
Quinn’s thoughtful gesture gained traction when his coach from the Tacoma Tigers Baseball Club learned of his initiative. After reading about Quinn’s charitable act, the team rallied together to contribute to his cause, helping him raise $500. This money was then used to purchase additional Nintendo gift cards for the hospital, furthering the mission of bringing joy to children in difficult situations.
Building a legacy of giving
The culture of philanthropy runs deep in Quinn’s family. His mother, Jodi, and grandmother, Wendy, who was one of the first patients at Mary Bridge Children’s, both serve on the foundation’s board. Their commitment has inspired Quinn’s younger sister, Addison, to make her first charitable donation as well, demonstrating how values of giving can transcend generations.
Similarly, Ryder’s sister, Siena, is inspired to create her own fundraising initiative, titled Miles for Smiles, leveraging her skills in running and soccer to support children in need. “Giving back is at the heart of our family’s values,” shared Jennifer, Ryder’s mother. “Witnessing our children develop their characters through acts of kindness is incredibly fulfilling.”
These stories of youth philanthropy illuminate the profound impact that children can have when they channel their passions toward helping others. From Ben’s heartfelt Rock-A-Thon to Ryder and Quinn’s creative fundraising initiatives, each young hero exemplifies the power of generosity and community spirit.