User:Kojoannan/kidshelpingkids

Kids Helping Kids was founded in 2001 by Jamie DeVries of San Marcos High Schoool, and run by his AP economics class. It has grown into one of the few student-run nonprofit organizations in the country. The San Marcos Kids Helping Kids Foundation, established in 2010, provides students with a real-world opportunity to apply their knowledge while also giving back. Every year, the organization put on a series of fundraisers, culminating in a benefit concert.

History
Kids Helping Kids was founded 8 years ago in Jamie DeVries' AP Economics class. Each year, the student executives selects charitable organizations or causes to donate to. KHK have raised over $450,000 total, and are the Santa Barbara Unity Shoppe's largest contributor. In addition to supporting the Unity Shoppe, KHK have provided aid to several other causes they have identified including purchasing a motorized cart for a fellow student afflicted with a paralyzing skin disease, funding carpal tunnel surgery for one of San Marcos' janitors, and donating to an orphanage in Haiti.

Fundraisers
Kids helping Kids put on a series of fund raisers. The first time, in 2002, the students were able to collectively able to raise $12,000. The following years they were able to raise $20,000 and then to $22,000. In 2006, the organization rented out a 12,000-square foot ballroom and raised $88,000. In 2009, the Kids Helping Kids Holiday Gala event at the Granada Theater in Downtown Santa Barbara, California, featured a talent competition with students from San Marcos High School, Dos Pueblos High School and Santa Barbara High School, and recording artist Tyrone Wells. KHK raised over $100,000 that year. In 2010, KHK also hosted the benefit concert at the Granada. It featured a live performance by recording artist Five For Fighting along with with a live and silent auction, and a Vespa raffle. With help from Deckers Outdoor Corporation - the title sponsor - and other donations from local businesses and families, KHK raised over 120,000 that year.

2011 Fundrasier
The 2011 benefit concert will take place on January 8th 2011 at the Granada Theater. The event will feature performances by Mat Kearney and Tyrone Wells in addition to live and silent auction, and a Vespa raffle, and a brief showcase of some talented San Marcos students. The organization plan to continue their tradition of donating proceeds to the Unity Shoppe. But the newly attained non-profit status makes it possible for them to hold in reserve funds to administer to families in need in the Santa Barbara community.

Past CEOs

 * Michelle Trickler (2006-2007)
 * Bryn Kass (2007-2008)
 * Erik Holliday (2008-2009)
 * Shelby Zylstra (2009-2010)