Fundraising Success Stories

Deja's Story

Total Raised: $2,440

Deja N. combined her love of cooking with her love of writing to create her own cookbook that earned her a trip to the Conference.

My name is Deja...and I'm 11 years old. I was very excited to find out that I had been selected to take part in a truly historic occasion—the Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States through the JrPYIC!

In order to earn my tuition, I came up with a fundraising idea that combined my entrepreneurial spirit with my passion for the culinary arts. I wrote and self-published my very own cookbook! The cookbook, entitled, Kids in the Kitchen is filled with 150 great recipes for kids to try at home. I sold my laminated, spiral bound cookbook for $15.00 each!  With the help of my mom, my dad, and even my little brother, we set out every weekend and went door to door selling cookbooks, as well as in my church, in front of my dad's friend's barbershop, strip malls, drug stores and anywhere else I could raise the money.  The community was AWESOME! I even had people who would simply donate $20.00 or more just to support me for doing something so positive.  I also received quite a few hugs, kisses and well wishes from perfect strangers! It was a truly wonderful experience and I quickly reached my goal of $2,440.

It also became a great human interest story and I received a lot of wonderful media attention. Remember, don't give up and keep your eyes on the prize!

Note: Deja's story was featured in TIME For Kids, her local news and she was a guest on the Rachael Ray show!