Working to Give: Philanthropies & Philanthropic Work

A 14-year-old from Long Island, New York, is making a significant impact through his nonprofit, Harold’s Hoops for Hope, which uses basketball tournaments to promote suicide prevention.

Harold Teller, an incoming sophomore at Commack High School, was inspired to create the organization after witnessing the mental health struggles of his peers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During COVID lockdowns, Teller connected with friends through virtual basketball games like “HORSE,” which helped to bring cheer during an isolating time. His passion for basketball and his desire to help others led him to organize his first 3-on-3 tournament in March 2023, which raised funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Approximately 150 kids participated, and Teller was thrilled to contribute to his community.

In 2024, the second annual tournament raised an impressive $13,000 for AFSP. Teller said, “It’s felt great to know that I’m making a difference and helping other people with whatever they’re struggling with.”

The third annual tournament is scheduled for March 22, 2025, with plans for an auction, food trucks, and athlete appearances. AFSP has been actively involved in Teller’s efforts, highlighting the importance of raising awareness and combating mental health stigma. Teller remains committed to expanding his initiative and continuing to support those in need.

In an era where every penny counts, a simple act of generosity at the checkout counter is making waves in the world of philanthropy. Round-up campaigns, which invite customers to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar for charity, have become a powerhouse of fundraising, bringing in $749 million in 2022 alone.

This innovative approach to giving has seen a remarkable 24% surge since 2020, proving that small change can lead to big change. The beauty of these campaigns lies in their simplicity and accessibility, allowing everyone to become a philanthropist with just a tap on a PIN pad.

Take the Taco Bell Foundation, for example. By switching from dollar donations to round-ups, they saw their fundraising skyrocket to $42 million in 2022, with an average donation of just 44 cents. It’s a testament to the power of collective giving, where even the smallest contributions can add up to make a significant impact.

The psychology behind round-up donations suggests a natural human preference for round numbers, and that consumers find it less painful to part with their change rather than a specific dollar amount. This clever approach transforms everyday purchases into opportunities for kindness, allowing shoppers to feel good about their contributions without breaking the bank.

From supporting local food banks to funding cancer research, these campaigns are making a difference across a wide spectrum of causes. The convenience factor is a win-win for both charities and donors, creating a seamless way to give back during routine transactions.

As round-up campaigns continue to evolve, they’re not just raising funds – they’re raising awareness and fostering a culture of everyday philanthropy. It’s a heartening reminder that in a world of big problems, sometimes the simplest solutions can have the most profound impact.

Kevin Ford, a Burger King employee who went viral for his perfect attendance record over 27 years, has used donations from generous supporters to buy a new home in Western Nevada. Ford shared this joyful update on December 29th through TikTok and Instagram, expressing heartfelt gratitude to those who made his dream of homeownership a reality.

In his video, Ford showcased his new house in Pahrump, Nevada. “I’m trying to get through without crying but I wanted to show you something, something you made possible,” he said. “I know it’s not a mansion, but it’s mine.”

Ford’s journey to fame began in June 2022 when a video of him receiving a modest gift from his management for his unbroken service went viral. The outpouring of support that followed led his daughter, Seryna, to start a GoFundMe campaign, which has since raised nearly $450,000.

With these funds, Ford purchased his new home and expressed deep appreciation in his video. “I want to thank everyone all around the world for what you’ve done for me, something I have never thought would be possible for me: homeownership,” he said. “Now my kids and my grandkids have someplace to come visit me.”

Ford also used part of the donations to buy his dream car and support his family, including helping his daughter purchase a house. He continues to work at Burger King and enjoys the peaceful drive from his new home. Looking ahead, Ford hopes to save enough to open his own small restaurant one day.

Reflecting on his journey, Ford shared a message of hope: “If you have lost faith in your God, your beliefs or just life, you can hold me up as an example. Just look at what the world has done for a perfect stranger.”

Maureen Stanko of Cedars, Pennsylvania, has created a beacon of hope for families with special-needs children. Stanko’s son, Nick, a 20-year-old on the autism spectrum, inspired the creation of the So Much To Give Inclusive Cafe, which opened its doors in January 2023. This unique cafe employs 63 people, 80% of whom have disabilities, serving in roles ranging from greeters to sous chefs.

Maureen was feeling concerned about what Nick would do once he finished school. Nick’s therapist shared with her that he dreamt of opening a restaurant that would employ people with disabilities. With the help of philanthropist Kathy Opperman, this dream quickly became a reality.

The cafe has become more than a workplace—it’s a community hub where people with disabilities can dine without stress. It’s a place where Nick learned to comfortably sit at a restaurant, and where others, like Lauren Oppelts, who is hearing impaired, thrive in roles they never imagined possible. Oppelts, who works as a hostess and teaches sign language, shared her newfound confidence, saying, “I mean, if you would ask me over a year ago, two years ago that I would be a hostess, a server, I wouldn’t believe you. Because I have grown so much self-confidence… A lot of these employees I’ve known since the very, very beginning and the growth I see in them, it’s just mind-blowing.”

Adjacent to the cafe, Stanko established the Inspiration Studio. Here, individuals with disabilities engage in music, life skills, and crafts, further enriching their lives.

Through her initiative, Stanko has not only provided meaningful employment and a supportive community but also demonstrated that everyone truly has “so much to give.” This inspiring venture reflects the power of community, dedication, and the belief that everyone has valuable contributions to make.

In an inspiring collaboration, Lisa Ford and her husband Bill, the Executive Chair of Ford Motor Co., have launched a visionary campaign to bolster the future of Detroit-based youth organizations. In partnership with The Children’s Foundation, the Fords aim to secure a minimum of $10 million to establish permanent endowments for ten deserving nonprofits focused on serving the city’s younger population.

Endowments offer increased financial stability, allowing nonprofits to draw annual returns to support their operations. The chosen Detroit nonprofits will be announced in June. They will each receive $500,000 that will enable them to launch an endowment, and they will have the opportunity to grow the endowment through matching contributions and fundraising efforts.

Lisa Ford’s approach was shaped by prior successful fundraising endeavors and a belief in the power of collaboration to effect meaningful change. The campaign’s innovative approach to endowment selection will involve community input, emphasizing a broad spectrum of services eligible for support. The initiative seeks to challenge the norm, where only a fraction of nonprofits are privileged to have endowments. Experts in the field of philanthropy advocate for endowments as a means of ensuring generational equity and organizational stability.

By fostering a financially secure environment for youth-focused nonprofits, the Fords and The Children’s Foundation aim to create a lasting impact, ensuring these vital organizations can continue their work for generations to come.