By Tori Lewis

One of the best ways to encourage a spirit of compassion and develop an attitude of empathy in others is by example. When you donate your time, resources, attention, or financial support to worthy charities, you become a vital part of the solution. Training and education are first and foremost, fostering awareness of a specific need, showing how it affects the immediate area, strategically planning for potential future complications if not addressed, and offering realistic temporary or permanent remedies. As you may know, volunteers are the backbone of fundraising; a huge amount of time and energy is expended behind the scenes budgeting, planning, brainstorming, scouting for new recruits and donors, securing partnerships with local businesses, government entities, religious organizations, and corporate industries.

It’s never too early to teach kids about giving and helping others; Hannah Vitters and Stevie Morris are beacons of light in a dark world, shining brightly and inspiring members of their community to rise up and serve, regardless of their age. When asked what advice Hannah has for children and teens who want to make a difference but feel they’re too young or lack the resources necessary to help, her answer is a simple one. “Honestly, you’re never too young to do something big. If you have enough passion or drive, literally anything can be possible, and by spreading awareness and putting yourself out there, doors will open for you.”

Sneakerella Ball

It began as an ordinary drive through the streets of Charleston, but a timely glance out the window lit a spark that would soon change the lives of many. The image of a child, barefoot and homeless, would bother most people; most people would likely feel a pang of sympathy and continue on their journey, the heartbreaking scene fading into the background as they went about their day. But most people aren’t Stevie Morris.

To her, the sight was a call to action, an opportunity to start a necessary conversation and draw attention to the needs of others. She carried that image with her, back to her hometown of Lexington, and there, her philanthropic efforts were born and began to flourish. Over the years, donations have continuously poured in, helping Stevie provide countless pairs of brand-new shoes for less fortunate children across the state. This eventually led to the creation of the Sneakerella Ball, a daddy-daughter dance designed to maintain and assist with those efforts. The kicker? Stevie is only twelve years old.

Her parents couldn’t be prouder, calling their daughter a “shining example of kindness and generosity,” and applauding her “passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.” When asked what his favorite part of this journey has been, her father, Steven—who can be found in the trenches alongside his daughter—was quick to answer, “Watching my daughter develop into the caring person that she has always been and watching the world witness it. I am in utter awe and honored to be her father.”

With the 2025 event under their belt, Stevie and her family are already making plans for next year’s Sneakerella Ball, tentatively set for February 21st at the Corley Mill House (mark your calendars). Donations can be submitted throughout the year, so start collecting! This event is so much more than just a dance, “It is a fundraiser to help those less fortunate and give without expecting anything in return.” Steven stands by the mandate issued by Christ in Matthew 22:36-40, stating, “We are all servant leaders to one another.” So far, the community has been overwhelmingly receptive and supportive. “Once someone notices that all of our initiatives were spearheaded by a child they ask kind-heartedly how they can assist us in our efforts,” but the process is not without its challenges.

“We are looking to become a 501c3 and that has been a challenge…if we are able to get some assistance with this, that would be awesome.” Yet, they look forward, doing their part to build a world where family, neighbors, and friends come together to meet the needs of others. Their goal is to keep this event going for all male role models who want to “educate their daughters, granddaughters, nieces, and little ladies about the importance of catering to our young girls and teaching them to be good Samaritans.”

Young Stevie Morris has heeded those teachings, answering the call at the tender age of twelve to love her neighbor as herself and working to better the lives of others, one pair of shoes at a time.

Bike4Life

Another inspiring young lady answering that call to serve is sixteen-year-old Hannah Vitters, the founder of Bike4Life, a bike-a-thon fundraiser designed to help children in need. An active member in Lexington High School’s Students in Action class, Hannah was motivated by a cause close to home. “The biggest reason was to support my cousin, Jack, in his fight against Batten Disease,” she says, referring to the rare and fatal disorder that affects the nervous system. “After his diagnosis, I realized that there are so many rare diseases out there that have significant impacts on families like mine, that no one talks about…for these uncommon diseases, there are often no cures and very little treatment options.”

Financial support is one of the greatest gifts families struggling with such diagnoses can receive, and Hannah is determined to put her wheels to work for a good cause, adding a personal touch to the fundraiser in the form of cycling. Drawing inspiration from her family’s annual Hilton Head Thanksgiving trip, where days are spent enjoying the beach and riding bikes, a bike-a-thon seemed the perfect way to honor her cousin.

“When we were younger, my brother and I would ride tandem bikes with our parents, and Jack is carrying on that tradition… it’s the easiest way for Jack to participate, with his loss of vision, that still allows him to do what he loves with his cousins.”

It’s a beautiful sentiment, and one that has resonated with the community. Last year, the event raised $2300—enough money to sponsor a family’s twenty-three day stay at Ronald McDonald House, the event’s charity of choice in 2024. This year, Hannah has her sights set on helping the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization that strives to bring joy to those battling difficult, and oftentimes fatal, illnesses. “If I do nothing else with my fundraiser, I want everyone to walk out of this knowing what Batten Disease is and looking for ways they can make a difference in the lives of children like Jack.”

It’s that kind of selfless attitude and indomitable spirit which garners an awestruck pride from her parents. “I am proud to say that Hannah always puts 100% into every single thing she does and she has never disappointed those who have trusted her with their donations, time, and encouragement,” says Katie Vitters, Hannah’s mother. “I have no doubt that her determination and courage will only help her succeed this May, and in all her future endeavors in all areas of her life. To say that we are proud of her, is an understatement. She is a true gift to us and those around her.”

And it’s a gift that keeps on giving.

To become a sponsor for the Sneakerella organization, please call Steven Morris at (917) 981-9940

Bike4Life Fundraiser, May 3, 9am-12:30pm Lexington United Methodist Church, 309 E. Main St., Lexington Sites.google.com/lexington1.net/bike4life/home-page