Savannah's Snow Cone Stand For Ethiopia

For kids all across America, snow cone stands are a fun way to make a little extra spending money in the summer. But for Savannah Thorne, the snow cone stand that she operates on the beach outside her California home is not just a way to earn some cash from overheated beach goers. “The snow cone stand has been a great way to raise money for my campaign for Dube Bute,” she says. At only 15 years old, Savannah’s passion for the people of Ethiopia has inspired her friends, her family, and countless others to donate thousands of dollars to help the people of rural Ethiopia.

As the older sister of two siblings adopted from Ethiopia, Savannah says she has always had a special place in her heart for the country and its people. After traveling to Ethiopia in October and visiting Dube Bute with the Alexander family, that love was ignited into a passion to do something more. Savannah set up her own campaign, which she called making a difference, with a goal of $15,000. Today Savannah has raised over $14,000 for the community in Dube Bute.

“The snow cone sales were only one part of my fundraising project,” said Savannah. In addition to selling the icy treats, she also designed many different t-shirts and sweatshirts to help raise money for her campaign. But she didn't stop there. Savannah set up booths at various events to raise awareness and she sent out letters to her friends and family encouraging them to get involved.

With her fundraising goal in sight, Savannah's motivation is stronger than ever. She has redoubled her efforts after yet another trip to Ethiopia. In May, she and her mother visited the country with the primary mission of returning to Dube Bute to meet with the people and see the progress of the projects under construction. On that visit she connected with the villagers of Dube Bute through song, dance and laughter.

This experience is going to be just what I need to raise the remaining funds for my campaign. Savannah Thorne

Now, back home in California, Savannah is on a mission. Inspired by her trip to Dube Bute, she is speaking to her youth group, her friends, and everyone she meets. Driven by her passion, she is closing in on her $15,000 fundraising goal. And with summer heating up, you can be sure she's manning that snow cone stand to raise even more money to help the people of Dube Bute.