By Elizabeth Lenart
The “Mistlecrew,” nominated by The North Texas Food Bank, received the 2018 Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award during the National Philanthropy Day Celebration in Dallas.
For the last four years, the remarkable Mistlecrew – consisting of Stella Wrubel, age 12, Quinn Graves, age 13, Trevor Godkin, age 13, and Isabella Dickason, age 13 – has provided nearly 300,000 nutritious meals to the hungry individuals in North Texas by selling mistletoe each winter. Their impactful work was recognized with the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award at the 33rd Annual National Philanthropy Day Luncheon, organized by the Greater Dallas Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
The Mistletoe campaign took off in 2012, inspired by Hurricane Sandy’s devastation in New York City. Six-year-old Stella Wrubel sought to assist her family and friends on the East Coast but felt uncertain about how she could contribute. Although her parents suggested a lemonade stand, Stella envisioned something different: adorning mistletoe with bows and bells for sale in their front yard. That initial effort garnered $2,034 for the American Red Cross to aid Hurricane Sandy relief. The following year, she enlisted friends, raising a total of $8,421.
After meeting and collaborating with the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB), both Wrubel and her friend Quinn Graves were inspired by how the organization supported children like themselves. Their enthusiasm for addressing hunger intensified, leading them to create a multi-generational team that significantly increased their mistletoe sales. In December 2014, they raised an impressive $18,000 by setting up stands in Highland Park Village. Between 2015 and 2017, the group in their signature red hats raised $131,081.57, translating to 393,245 meals provided. Each autumn, the Mistlecrew dedicates itself to planning and executing this fundraising initiative, hoping their peers across the nation will mimic their efforts by selling mistletoe at grocery store entrances to combat hunger. In 2017, they successfully raised over $60,000, resulting in 180,000 nutritious meals for those in need, with a goal 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 an innovative strategy to empower children in the fight against hunger within North Texas. During mistletoe season, the Mistlecrew utilizes social media to encourage supporters to share selfies with their mistletoe purchases alongside the hashtag #KissAndTella. They also facilitate online donations and offer a text-to-donate option. As the fundraiser continues to expand each year, they engage more friends to join their cause, hoping to inspire others to explore new avenues for giving back.
“These dedicated kids are unwavering in their commitment to making a difference, driven by the belief that nothing can hinder their efforts, and truly, nothing has,” stated Jeffrey King, associate director of individual giving at NTFB. “We’re proud to call them our friends and partners in our mission, embodying the belief that even one meal can create a significant impact.”
For further information on how to support NTFB, visit ntfb.org. For details regarding the National Philanthropy Day Luncheon, check out afpdallas.org.
