An Inspiring Young Philanthropist
Lauren Schmidt’s experience with Renown Children’s Hospital began when she was in 7th grade. After experiencing constant back pain, her parents took her in for an exam and learned she had a congenital kidney defect. She had surgery and after receiving treatment from the doctors at Renown, Lauren decided that she, “loved my doctors at Renown…and I want to be one.” Furthering her interest in medicine, her father, who sold insurance to large hospitals, would take her to his client meetings and she met many of his physician friends, whose kindness and care for their patients inspired her even more, leading her on a path to give back to her community.
Philanthropic Beginnings
Lauren was introduced to philanthropy by her mother. Her passion to volunteer and to get involved in community giving developed during the years that she and her mom were part of a National Charity League Chapter in Reno, Nevada. She worked on projects where children in need could pick up school supplies and clothes. Lauren has always loved to play golf. She decided to volunteer and teach golf to kids in a program called, First Tee-Northern Nevada. During her sophomore year at Bishop Manogue High School, she started the Lifesavers Club for anyone who was interested in nursing, physical therapy or public health. She organized monthly meetings that included doctors, physical therapists or surgeons. It was through her volunteering with Lifesavers that she was introduced to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH), Dance Marathon program at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Dance Marathon program is part of a collective effort to provide member hospitals like Renown Children’s Hospital, with critical funds. UNR’s Dance Marathon executive director asked Lauren and the Lifesavers team to join their event. They were the top fundraising team of the day. After conversing with the CMNH Campus Program Manager, she decided to start a Dance Marathon program for Bishop Manogue High School.
A Fundraising Success Story
Lauren set her goals high as she endeavored to establish a high school Dance Marathon program that would raise $15,000. She formed an executive board that consisted of four students and garnered the support of many other teacher and student volunteers. High school leaders got behind her and supported her efforts to raise funds through a variety of activities: pie-a-senior or teacher, raffles, donate and dress-down for a day, hole activity at a golf tournament, to name a few. The Main Event was held at the high school gym, where students, parents, teachers and the Renown Children’s Hospital Champion Child joined her for the final fundraising push. Not only did she reach her goal of $15,000, but she exceeded it with a final total of $20,000!
“I fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.”
Lauren shared a personal reflection that exemplifies her propensity to recognize those who are in need and her constant call-to-action. When Lauren drives home every day from school, she sees the same homeless man on the street corner. “If I have any food in my car I give it to him,” Lauren said, “It doesn’t seem fair. If everyone just finds it within themselves to help…just find it in your heart to help. We are all just people.”
Thank you, Lauren
Renown Children’s Hospital and Renown Health Foundation are so grateful to young philanthropists like Lauren and her team who raised $20,000 during Bishop Manogue’s first annual Dance Marathon “Minerthon.” Lauren’s dedication and passion will set her on the path toward her goal to become a surgeon. She started this Fall at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where she began her medical education. Lauren is also a member of the Wake Forest University cheerleading team. She will most certainly become an integral part of their Dance Marathon fundraising program.
Lauren, we applaud you and hope that you inspire other young people to give back.
To learn more about how you can support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, go to renown.org/cmnh.