Who we are

The idea for starting our organization was created in 2016 when Catie's sixth grade teacher tasked her with writing an essay about a problem in her community. Catie chose the topic of homelessness. At the end of the essay, she had to devise a plan for how she could help solve the problem. Her plan was to create Help For Homeless.

Catie was inspired. She recruited her neighbor, McKenna, for help and, together, they got to work. They began by calling a variety of homeless shelters in the Rochester area to volunteer their services. After fifteen calls of rejection they reached the YWCA. During that call they were received with such kindness and attentiveness that they immediately pledged to put their full support behind this organization.

The next week they were given a tour of the shelter. They met many kind residents and staff. After this meeting, they were inspired to collect donations by going door to door around their neighborhood. In one month's time they raised over $1000.

In 2017, Catie and McKenna were invited to speak at the YWCA's annual Empowering Women Luncheon. While onstage, they were able to donate an additional $425 from their continued fundraising efforts. 

In 2018, they were awarded the National Outstanding Young People In Philanthropy Award. 

By 2019 the girls decided to increase their efforts and change their fundraising style by organizing a charity golf tournament. After six months of planning, the event went off without a hitch. They had 55 golfers in attendance and raised over $5,000 for the YWCA of Greater Rochester. The tournament became a successful annual event. In 2020 they raised over $5,000. In 2021, with much community support, they were still able to raise over $6000 during the height of the Pandemic. The 2022 event also raised over $6,000.

To date Catie and McKenna have successfully raised a grand total of $25,619.64 for the YWCA, and they plan to continue the event for many years to come!