Katelynn “Kiki” Hardee of Vista, Calif., was five years old when she decided that neither her classmates’ families nor the local schools should incur debt for school meals. She had discovered that her Vista Unified School District school had more than $600 in school lunch debt and that some students had to skip lunch because their parents couldn’t afford to pay for it. That was all unacceptable to Hardee.
Hardee began selling cookies and hot cocoa, as well as other fundraisers, to raise funds for what became known as Kiki’s Kindness Project. Hardee, now eight, eventually raised enough money to pay off the entire district’s lunch debt, totaling more than $7,000. Hardee’s ongoing efforts have raised more than $22,000, intending to raise $250,000 and inspire other children to help those in need.
Kiki recognized the value of personal connections as the company grew and began incorporating acts of kindness into her work. She would write handwritten notes to customers, give personalized gifts to those in need, and even deliver homemade meals to the sick or isolated.
Kiki has been able to make a difference in the lives of many people through her Kindness Project. She has received heartfelt thank-you letters and messages from those whose lives she has touched, and she has even inspired others to begin their acts of kindness.
Kiki’s message is straightforward: a little kindness goes a long way. Her company serves as a reminder that we all can make a positive difference in the world, one kind act at a time.
Projects that demonstrate an entrepreneur’s passion and personal touch are truly among the most unique and powerful ventures in the modern world of business and entrepreneurship. The ability to express yourself freely in the businesses you create is a huge factor in how people perceive your brand, and the Kindness Project is an excellent example of this.
Kiki is truly a humanitarian to see that issue at only 8 years old, and to also act on it. She came up with a solution to a pain that affects children all across the United States. Her mindset and passion are so inspiring!