Rancho Santa Fe teenager Micaela Roy is just your average 17-year-old junior at Torrey Pines High School, who also happens to lead her very own non-profit organization. A product of Micaela’s love for both art and helping others, 1Kid aims to help youth in low-income schools and hospitals use art to develop their creativity and identity.
The nonprofit is set to host its first big fundraiser, “The Starry Night Art Show” on Saturday, March 28th, at the Rancho Santa Fe Community Center.
An artist herself, Micaela originally came up with the idea of building art kits to bring supplies to schools that were lacking. When she approached her parents with the idea, they helped her set it up as a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Since then, Micaela has led the organization’s growth and development.
“We think it’s awesome that she has been so driven to do this, and that she keeps on looking for ways to improve her organization, ” her mother Lita said.
According to the 1Kid website, “Making art not only grows the creative mind but helps to heal the spirit.” 1Kid uses the process of making art to aid in the healthy healing and creative development of children. Art projects are developed and packaged into kits and then donated to hospitals or schools.
1Kid clubs have been established at both Torrey Pines High School and Canyon Crest Academy. Micaela is supported at Torrey Pines by co-vice presidents Victoria Austin and Kaitlyn Garber. Student Mikayla Chang leads Canyon Crest Academy’s branch. Both clubs raise funds to provide art classes and supplies to kids in need.
In the past, Micaela has donated art kits to low-income schools in Tijuana and Indonesia, as well as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. More recently, Micaela connected with Rady Children’s Hospital. Last month was the organization’s first visit to the children’s hospital. While waiting for family members, children had the opportunity to create colorful and fun mosaics.
The Starry Night fundraiser will be held to purchase “kits” of art projects through the nonprofit to distribute to local children’s hospitals. Anyone who comes out is encouraged to increase awareness, donating or purchasing artworks. All of the proceeds will be going to the art kit.