Page 11 - Highlights for Children (December 2017)
P. 11
Gallant
Kids
Turning Passion
into Purpose
At school, Alex Hart-Upendo sponsor monthly bow-tie-
was bullied for being smart. But making workshops. He
Alex used those hurtful words raises awareness about
to inspire him. He says, “I took different causes, such
the negative term ‘nerd’ and I as diabetes, childhood Alex Hart-Upendo loves making
turned it into something positive cancer, or bullying. bow ties from craft fur.
and fashionable: bow ties.”
Alex’s mom designs clothing, “Building” Bows
and she showed him how to At his free workshops,
make a bow tie. When Alex Alex passes out pieces of plain other people,” Alex says. “I just like
wore it to school, the other fabric. Participants use markers to see the smiles on their faces.”
kids wanted bow ties, too. So, and paint to decorate them. Highlights is proud to know this
he says, “I decided to start a Then, Alex says, “I take all the Gallant Kid.
business called Build-a-Bow, designs home with me, and I —Sara Matson
where everyone can get a bow turn them into bow ties with my
tie.” Before long, Alex’s business sewing machine.” He sends the Alex’s Favorites
became a way to help others. finished bows to people who are
FOOD: Tacos
At first, Alex just sold his ill or going through hard times.
bow ties at craft shows and With every bow tie, he includes SCHOOL SUBJECT: Math
from his Web site. But after his an encouraging card. ANIMAL: Wolf
grandfather passed away, Alex Alex has donated more than COLOR: Blue
decided to honor him by starting 500 bow ties to nursing-home ADVICE TO KIDS WHO WANT TO
a charity. He named it Build-a- residents, hospital patients, and START A BUSINESS TO HELP
Bow for a Purpose. military families. He’s glad he OTHERS: “Find something that
Forty percent of Alex’s profits can use his passion for fashion you’re good at. Once you find out
from selling bow ties are used to to bring joy to others. “It makes what you’re good at, you have to
me feel great that I’m helping
Photo by Karee Upendo. perfect that skill.”
Tell us when you’ve felt like
Goofus or Gallant! Visit
HighlightsKids.com or write to
“I felt like Gallant “I feel like Gallant when
when I apologized I play with my little sister so
for what I did to my parents can get ready.” Goofus and Gallant Moments
make my friend cry.” Laci, Age 10, Utah 803 Church Street
Honesdale, PA 18431
Elliot, Age 7, Colorado
DECEMBER 2017 11
