A Q&A with Lila:
What inspired you to choose KIND as the organization to support for your quinceañera?
From the very beginning of my planning I knew that I wanted to do something more than a big party that only celebrated me. I wasn’t sure how exactly to do it but I was really excited by the idea of a “party with a purpose.” I was inspired to choose KIND for the work that the organization does for kids my age and even younger who have been forced to grow up quickly and figure out life unaccompanied and alone.
Why was it important to you to use your quinceañera as an opportunity to give back?
My parents have always taught me that service to others is the responsibility of every person. I volunteer through my church, my Jack and Jill chapter and any time an opportunity comes my way. Using my quince to give back just felt like the right thing to do at this moment to support migrant communities under attack.
How did you learn about KIND and the work they do for children and families?
My mother is an attorney and read about KIND’s pro bono work and said KIND might be a good fit for me to highlight at the quince since I was looking for an organization that had a focus on services for children. I did some research and I felt moved by the stories about kids my age posted on IG and the website.
What does KIND’s mission mean to you personally?
The traditional quinceañera represents the transition from childhood to adulthood that a young woman takes with the support of her family and community. KIND’s mission is focused on children who may not have the traditional support of family but have the support of the organization and all of its donors. I felt like it was the right thing to take the love and support I get to experience every day and ripple it out to other kids who need it too.
How did you share your fundraising idea with your family and guests, and what were their reactions?
Miss Eloise at KIND helped us set up a giving page that I sent out as a fundraiser link before the party to get the word out and raise money right away. During the party I also included the mission of KIND in my quinceañera welcome speech and invited my guests to donate using a QR code I had set up near the photobooth. I also dedicated a special craft mocktail to KIND to help spread the word and encourage donations. Some of my family and guests were not familiar with KIND before the event but through my speech and the QR code to the website, everyone got the chance to learn more and then they wanted to support the organization once they knew more about the important mission.
What did it feel like to see your community support a cause you care about?
I have the best village. Everyone was so generous and supportive. It meant the world to me to see them there and know they cared.
Is there a moment from the fundraising process that you’ll never forget?
I was so excited to see the total go up every day and when I passed the $1000 goal I felt so proud. The final total hit $1,395. I never thought I would be able to raise this much money.
How has this experience changed the way you think about giving back or advocating for others?
I did not realize how many people would give once they knew how important the mission was. From this experience I learned how important it is to just share and get the word out for important causes. I think most people want to give, they just might not know where or how to do it.
How was the celebration?
My quinceañera was a dream come true. It was amazing to see all my friend groups come together in one place and support me and share the moment. My mom and I worked hard to be sure the party matched my personality and included the things that I love from the colors and music, to the food and decorations. I had an all female court made up of my closest friends including two of my cousins. We worked with a choreographer to create a special dance entrance and included my favorite quince traditions during the party. My favorite moment was the dance with my dad.
Photo Credit: Mayer Tawfik of Blank Space Creatives.
