In The Community
Students Making a Difference RESHMI NILUS ’22 Cards for Cancer and Project Generosity
I
started making cards in sixth grade to earn an allowance. At the time, I was selling greeting cards to my teachers, friends and around the neighborhood. In eighth grade, I started learning more about breast cancer and the ongoing research trials at multiple renowned institutes. I decided to combine my love of making cards with doing good in the community. Knowing very well I could not help this cause in the physical lab due to age and lack of a degree, I decided to raise funds for the cause. To reach a broader client base, I also created a website that marketed the cards to people across the nation. So far, we have received orders from across the U.S., including California, Texas and Washington. Even with the website, I knew I wanted to help more. So, I conducted fundraisers for the same cause. This sister
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eastsidecatholic.org
organization is called Project Generosity. We host fundraisers of various types, from bake sales to jogathons, to generate even more money. I continue to work on these nonprofits and am always working on new Project Generosity ideas! In total, we have raised over $2,000 for research. All our proceeds go to the Salk Institute in San Diego. We found that the fundraisers by Project Generosity raise more money, so we are looking forward to producing additional events. Each fundraiser takes about 72 hours of planning and baking, with 12 hours of sales and deliveries (with COVID, we had to take many extra safety measures). I recruit volunteers of all ages and rely on the help of friends and family. During the last effort, we had 11 volunteers!