WEST DE PERE, Wis. (NBC 26) -- An 8-year-old boy is using his painting skills to raise money for Ben's Wish after the fundraiser at his church was interrupted by the pandemic.
Mary Meyer said their church was raising money for Ben's Wish throughout March, but they only had a couple weeks to fundraise until services became remote. Once that happened, she said they thought they wouldn't be able to raise as much as they had hoped. Mary said her son Dawson had been working on a painting of a buck, and she suggested they auction it off and donate the money to Ben's Wish.
Ben's Wish is a local nonprofit that works to feed the hungry in our community with food drives, collections to support local food pantries, educational activities and a weekend backpack program.
"Sometimes kids have nothing to eat over the weekend besides just like a bag of potato chips or something," said Dawson, recognizing the need in our community.
Mary posted a photo of Dawson and his painting on Facebook and invited people to bid on it.
"Then, we had people inquiring, 'Well can we just give on top?' and I said, 'Well of course you can!'" added Mary.
She said they have had anonymous and private donors. Yesterday, they received a $500 donation.
The Meyer's hope is that other people will continue donating to help fill the bellies of children in our community.
"I want them to know like their money isn't going to be thrown away. It's going to be used for a good cause," said Dawson.
If you would like to donate to Ben's Wish, click here.
