Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Wharton.
Hi Kate, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in a small, suburban town outside Dallas, Texas. In fourth grade, I moved to San Diego and was in absolute awe of the absurd amount of people experiencing homelessness and poverty. Seeing women and children living on the streets hurt my soul. From the day I moved here, I knew I wanted to do something to help change this. Only being 10 years old at the time, I knew that I could not do much since I was so young. However, growing up, the idea of helping on a larger scale tugged at my heart constantly. In late November of 2022, I witnessed the collateral damage from COVID in our community through the increasing number of tent cities on the streets of San Diego. I decided to put my ideas to help into action. I realized that right now was the time to help my community, so I took action as soon as I could. Since it was November and the holiday season was approaching, I had an idea that I wanted to bring to life. I understood that I could create a fundraiser, but I wanted to help more than once on an ongoing basis. I wanted to continue to help those in need throughout the year, so my idea was to create a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that brings that love and joy associated with holidays to children in need throughout the year. I wanted to raise money so I could be a Holiday Fairy for kids. Everyone deserves gifts on Christmas! I decided to call my organization My Holiday Fairy. My Holiday Fairy’s mission is to bring joy and cheer into the lives of children in need throughout the year. I went straight to work, registering my corporation with the IRS, building our website, finding a team, and finding a beneficiary. We began working with local shelters and providing the children they shelter with holiday gifts and organized events. After having worked in the nonprofit sector for about 9 months, I recognize that my passion lies in helping those in need. My Holiday Fairy has changed my life, and I hope to continue to make a difference in this world throughout my adult years.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being in high school, I have found balance to be the key in successfully running My Holiday Fairy. Balance is critical; balance in life sets one person apart from another. Being a D1 athlete, having a job year-round, managing schoolwork, and now running a corporation, I’ve learned the consequences of not having balance. Keeping a social life is also very important to me. I’ve discovered what it’s like to get analysis paralysis. It’s held me back so many times in my life. I overanalyze and overthink my decisions, which you think is okay, but it’s quite the opposite when you’re on a time crunch. Getting where I am was challenging. It took time, and I learned millions of lessons, but I am ultimately happy with where I am.
I am so happy I started this organization and how much it’s doing for others. Millions of outstanding organizations help support those in need with necessities, but I wanted to give them more. Everyone deserves gifts during the holidays. I am so happy to be taking part in something bigger than me.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My Holiday Fairy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization intending to bring love and joy to children throughout the year. We understand there are many incredible organizations that provide families with necessities such as food, water, and shelter, but we feel that joy in a child’s life is as necessary to a child’s development as food is. We create specialized gift bags, we call Twinkle Totes, and fill them with themed gifts such as Hot Wheels, footballs, dolls, and more. We are able to create Twinkle Totes catered to age, gender, and theme. In addition, we organize special events, such as Valentine’s Day celebrations and Easter Egg hunts for the kids to enjoy. My Holiday Fairy works with local homeless shelters to benefit the children who reside there.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.myholidayfairy.org
- Instagram: myholidayfairy
