Pair take the reins in helping McDonald House
It is hard to go through downtown Spokane without noticing the array of beautifully painted animals throughout the area, each unique.
The tigers, giraffes and horses all are part of the Carousel on Parade fundraising event. All the animals will be auctioned at the Carousel on Parade Gala on April 27, with proceeds benefiting the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Spokane.
Every one of the animals is being sponsored by a gracious area donor. The youngest sponsors are 12-year-old Taylor Eymann and 13-year-old Mackenzie Dandoy.
These two middle-schoolers, friends their entire lives, decided to start their own craft business three years ago. Ambition and creativity got these girls started on their innovative idea of creating utensils with beaded handles.
Their idea stemmed from visiting the Spokane Craft Show with their moms. Both Mackenzie and Taylor came away from the craft show planning to start their own craft business and donate their profits toward a worthy cause.
Their idea has become a reality as they create about 150 beaded utensils each year. Mackenzie said,
“My friend and I have always loved to give back to the community, and this is a fun way to give back to those who are less fortunate,” she said.
They bring their collection of beaded utensils to the Spokane Club Craft Show, which is held in November, and sell their utensils for $15, or $10 for smaller pieces.
You cannot forget these two girls because they have given their small business a catchy name: Kind Kids Kool Krafts. Last November, their handmade crafts sold out and brought in $2,500.
Each year, Mackenzie and Taylor pick a different charity to which to donate their profits.
The first year, they split their donation between Make A Wish Foundation and Wishing Star. Last year, they chose Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery.
This year they chose Ronald McDonald House of Spokane.
Taylor expressed her feelings about supporting the Ronald McDonald House: “Seeing these kids have a second chance is great. It makes me happy to see that they can be with their families through difficult times.”
Both Mackenzie’s and Taylor’s mothers, Sue Eymann and Cindy Dandoy, are involved with the Carousel on Parade Gala. They suggested that the girls sponsor one of the painted animals to donate toward this fundraising project.
The girls decided this was a great idea, sponsoring “Winter Pony,” which stands in front of The Spokesman-Review building downtown.
Mackenzie and Taylor say they feel fulfilled giving their hard-earned money to such a great organization and wonderful fundraiser.
The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Spokane commends them for their hard work and thanks them for their generosity and heart.
Expect to see Kind Kids Kool Krafts at more craft shows this year. To purchase your beaded utensils, call Nickie White at 624-0500 for more information. Supporting their project helps kids help kids.