Local high school student launches imaginative crowdfunding campaign to support Open Door.
“A nation cannot claim economic, technological, and moral leadership when its own citizens are dying due to a lack of affordable care.”
These words could be attributed to a U.S. President, but 16-year-old Sumer Moudgill wrote them in an article titled “Answering Corona’s Call,” published by the award-winning Greeley Tribune, Summer 2020 issue. The civic-minded student thoroughly explored the topic of health inequities and recommended steps to ameliorate some of America’s longstanding public health issues. However, as the pandemic unfolded, Moudgill began to see the disproportionate impact on local families and vulnerable community members who faced the heart-wrenching choice between paying for their groceries or seeking critical medical care.
His growing realization prompted him to answer the call to help and inspire others to get involved, specifically in the areas of health care access and food insecurity.
Moudgill’s sense of social responsibility, along with his unique talent for abstract doodling, sparked the launch of “Doodles for Donations” – an imaginative crowdfunding campaign to help provide supplemental food and affordable health care services to local families.
Through the campaign’s Indiegogo site, Moudgill sold his distinctive art doodles printed on notecards and t-shirts, with 100% of the proceeds less costs donated to the Open Door Family Medical Center and the Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry.
Between May and November 2020, Sumer spent over 200 hours on “Doodles for Donations,” designing the campaign site, connecting and negotiating with merchandise vendors, identifying potential contributors, managing orders, and expanding the reach of the campaign.
“Doodles for Donations” surpassed Moudgill’s campaign goal, raising over $1,100. In addition to the financial support he provided to the two organizations, Sumer eloquently raised awareness by posting several updates about his art and his passion for reducing health disparities in our local communities. More so, he promoted the healing aspects of doodling to reduce stress and anxiety and improve one’s focus and well-being.
Thank you, Sumer!
