How 12-Year-Old Flynn Rash Raised $60,000 to Fight Poverty: A Stor

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August 30, 2024

August Mission Moment: A Mosquito-Sized Hero

Three colored t-shirts saying "never too small"

On an ordinary morning at Irving Middle School, a quote crackled over the loudspeaker: "If you think you are too small to make a difference, you haven't spent a night with a mosquito." Little did anyone know how those words would soon take on a life of their own in the mind of then 7th-grader Flynn Rash. That morning, however, quickly turned terrifying when a student brought an air-soft gun onto campus, sparking panic and fear. As chaos unfolded around him, Flynn felt an unexpected emotion: anger. But beneath that anger lay something more profound—a gnawing sense of helplessness. That sense of helplessness could have paralyzed him, but it ignited a flicker of defiance instead. The memory of that quote resonated deeply within him. If something as small as a mosquito could make an impact, then Flynn, small as he was, could become a force for good.

Fueled by this new sense of purpose, Flynn set out to impact his community. His goal was ambitious: to raise $100,000 for the Malone Center's fight against poverty in Lincoln. Starting from scratch, Flynn designed a line of merchandise, built a website that still sells items today, and began tirelessly spreading his message. Flynn’s efforts raised an astonishing $60,000 in just a year through merchandise sales and partnerships. His story, driven by honesty and unwavering commitment, resonated with local businesses and the community. Flynn wasn't just a mosquito-sized hero; he had become a force of nature.

When the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools had the chance to nominate an Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy for the Association of Fundraising Professionals Nebraska Chapter, Flynn was the obvious choice. His maturity, selflessness, and relentless drive to make a difference are nothing short of inspiring.

This November, Flynn will be celebrated for his innovative fundraising and leadership in motivating others to support positive community projects across Nebraska. Join Flynn in his mission by visiting the Malone Center Campaign website or contributing to his Go-Fund-Me campaign as he strives to reach his $100,000 goal.

Together, we can all be a force for good—no matter our size.

The Numbers

Schools Served

74
Focus & Specialty Programs Served

15
Students Empowered

41,635
Teachers & Staff Supported

6,625
Funds Received This Year

$4.30M

Our Partners

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© 2024 Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools

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