Greeting Cards to Grant Wishes
Creativity and compassion—two words that perfectly encompass 16-year-old entrepreneur Simran Patel. Through her passion for service and the arts, the young high schooler created the non-profit Simply Simran, a customized card company.
While attending a business camp at Duke University, Simran began brainstorming ways she could give back to her own community while doing something she loved. “Because I had been making handmade cards since I was little for family members...and also I really liked doing art, I thought if there’s a way to use that to raise money and give back, it would be an amazing thing,” Simran said.
After months of paperwork, time, and effort, Simran, with the help of her mother, Priyanka, was granted 501(c)(3) status. Simply Simran was officially born. “Giving back to charities has always been something I wanted to do,” Patel said. “I think coming from a place of such privilege, being able to get a great education, having access to so many opportunities, made me think, ‘What can I do to help share that with other people and give back to my community?’ Because I’m already so blessed.”
When thinking of organizations to help, Make-A-Wish immediately came to mind. “I already knew Make-A-Wish was doing great things for children,” mentioned Simran. A family friend of hers was diagnosed with leukemia and wished to meet the developers of Roblox. “He was so excited about it. I wanted to be a part of it,” said Simran.
Even though she maintains a rigorous course load at school, Simran manages to relax and find joy in creating her cards. Her passion for helping others through her art pushes her to continue to create. “I just loved being able to share things I’m passionate about with other people and give it to such a good cause and contribute to other people’s happiness and success,” Patel said.
Simply Simran is one of many incredible organizations that raises money for Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas. Wishes would not come true without the help of our amazing school partners in our Kids for Wish Kids program. Inspiring kids to have an impact in their community, the Kids For Wish Kids program engages students, schools and youth organizations in philanthropy and service activities in partnership with Make-A-Wish. The program encourages community service, leadership, volunteerism and teamwork. It builds team spirit and gives students hands-on experience fundraising to help create life-changing wishes for kids fighting critical illnesses.