September 18 | Isabelle Panza

Donuts for a Cause: How One Student’s Sweet Fundraiser Made a Difference

What are two things everyone loves? Donuts and the feeling of giving back. Kate Braun, a Smithtown high school student, brought those two things together perfectly to help her neighbors in need.

Throughout the school year, Kate partnered with Duck Donuts for a fundraiser that combined sweet treats with a great cause. Each month, she would pick up 10 dozen donuts, “sponsored” by different supporters—her first sponsor was her dad, followed by Long Island Cares board member and restaurant owner Michael Bohlsen. Kate and her friends sold the donuts all day at school for $3 each, with every dollar going directly to Long Island Cares.

To promote her fundraiser, Kate rallied her friends to make flyers and even enlisted the help of her principal, who sent school-wide text alerts about the sale. Month after month, Kate’s donut fundraiser became a bigger and bigger hit, raising awareness and funds for Long Island Cares.

Kate chose Long Island Cares as the beneficiary after a leadership class project opened her eyes to the realities of poverty on Long Island. “I was shocked,” Kate said. “I didn’t know much about poverty here. It was heartbreaking to see the statistics and realize this is happening around us.”

Kate’s teacher soon arranged for Long Island Cares staff members to visit the school and educate students about hunger on Long Island. Through her donut sales, Kate not only raised $1683.30, but also sparked conversations about the importance of community support and awareness. Her initiative showed how one small idea could inspire lasting change, proving that giving back can be just as sweet as a donut.