Local 4th Graders Cook Up a Fundraiser to Support CASA Kids

This year, fourth grade students from New York and Langston Hughes Elementary Schools spearheaded a project to raise funds to help their peers in our local child welfare system. Inspired by the novel The Doughnut King by Jesse Janowitz, they cooked up a business plan and budget for proposed donut sales at their schools, received approval from school administrators, developed their own recipes, and produced gourmet donuts that they advertised and sold to school staff and parents. The students then donated all profits to Douglas County CASA. 

“This project took about two months and they learned so much — not only about successful business practices, but also about the importance of community leadership,” said their teacher, Jaclynn Williams. “The students were thrilled,” said Ms. Williams, to donate the combined profits from both schools to support advocacy for local children who are under court protection while they wait for safe, permanent homes.

The donut initiative was a big success, and the students exceeded their sales goal. CASA’s Development Director Sarah Hoadley visited with the students to discuss their experiences with the project and learn why they selected CASA as their beneficiary. 

“It was such a wonderful surprise to receive this gift out of the blue and then hear about all that went into it,” said Hoadley. “Once again, kids in our community are showing us how deeply they care about their peers who are going through tremendously challenging times, and they are taking it upon themselves to reach out a hand to help. The ingenuity, dedication, and compassion shown by these fourth graders is truly inspiring.”

Ms. Williams’ students join a growing group of philanthropically-minded local children who have harnessed their creativity and energy to engage in endeavors ranging from hosting lemonade stands to compiling art kits for CASA kids. Over many years, CASA has been honored and grateful to receive both financial and in-kind donations directly from children who want to make a positive impact in the lives of other young people. 

Many thanks to Ms. Williams and her students for this most recent, kind, and generous support!

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