By Elizabeth Lenart
Recognized by The North Texas Food Bank, the “Mistlecrew” has been awarded the 2018 Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award during the National Philanthropy Day Celebration held in Dallas.
For the past four years, the remarkable Mistlecrew—comprised of Stella Wrubel, 12, Quinn Graves, 13, Trevor Godkin, 13, and Isabella Dickason, 13—has successfully provided nearly 300,000 healthy meals for underprivileged families in North Texas through the sale of mistletoe each winter. Their efforts were honored with the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award at the 33rd Annual National Philanthropy Day Luncheon hosted by the Greater Dallas Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
The initiative began in 2012, prompted by Hurricane Sandy’s devastation in New York City. At just 6 years old, Stella Wrubel sought a way to support her family and friends affected by the hurricane. Although her parents suggested a lemonade stand, Stella envisioned a different plan: crafting mistletoe adorned with ribbons and bells to sell from their front yard. That inaugural year, she generated $2,034 for the American Red Cross in relief efforts. In 2013, she enlisted additional friends and raised $8,421.
The connection deepened when Stella and her friend Quinn Graves learned about the North Texas Food Bank and its mission to assist children their age. Inspired by this newfound alliance, the pair was determined to expand their efforts against hunger. They organized a broader team, harvesting and selling even more mistletoe. In December 2014, they set up booths in Highland Park Village, raising $18,000. Over the next three years, the red-hatted kids accumulated an impressive total of $131,081.57, translating to 393,245 meals provided. Each fall, they remain committed to planning and executing this successful fundraising model, hoping children nationwide will emulate their efforts by selling mistletoe to combat hunger. In 2017, the Mistlecrew achieved over $60,000 in donations, supplying 180,000 nutritious meals to those in need, with a target of $70,000 set for 2018. Sales are scheduled for December 20-23 at Highland Park Village, specifically at Royal Blue Grocery.
The Jingle Bell Mistletoe Campaign represents a novel strategy to empower young people to take the lead in addressing hunger in North Texas. The Mistlecrew effectively harnesses social media during the mistletoe season, inviting supporters to share selfies with their mistletoe purchases using the hashtag #KissAndTella. They also facilitate online donations and employ a text-to-donate service. As the fundraising initiative expands each year, they bring more friends on board, hoping their model inspires others and motivates peers to discover various ways to contribute to the community.
“These enthusiastic kids are dedicated to driving change with unwavering determination, and they have proven that nothing can hinder their efforts,” remarked Jeffrey King, associate director of individual giving at NTFB. “We are privileged to count them among our friends and partners in our mission, embodying the belief that a single meal can make a significant impact.”
Editor’s Note: For further details on how to support NTFB, please visit ntfb.org. To learn more about the National Philanthropy Day Luncheon, go to afpdallas.org.
