Young alums and current student lead fundraising efforts and volunteerism
Clairbourn alums and students are consistently at the forefront of leading altruistic projects. Tiffany Chang was in fourth grade when her teacher Mrs. Mary-Kaye Halferty taught her to knit scarves during recess, and what started as a craft skill, has now become a fully-fledged nonprofit organization. The Madhatter Knits has over 80 members and three school chapters. To top it off, the organization can now boast that it has raised $10,500 for the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, surpassing its target fundraising goal!
The idea for the organization started at Clairbourn School. Once Tiffany mastered how to knit a beanie, she spread the knowledge by teaching her sister Kimberly and her cousins Christie and Kathryn Huang. Upon discovering that a knit hat could make a huge difference in the lives of premature babies (preemies), they dedicated themselves to making and donating 160 knit hats to the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) that first year and to date, they have donated over 2,000 hats to various hospitals.
In 2014, they named themselves “Madhatter Knits” and created an Executive Team. Today, the organization is made up of a diverse group of young women with a common altruistic goal and vision – to help and support the preemies and their families in need. The organization also has a plethora of volunteers devoted to helping premature infants and their families feel warmth and love during challenging times.
Their most recent project was fundraising for the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). As junior ambassadors for the CHLA, they surpassed their fundraising goal. The junior ambassadors include Clairbourn alums Kimberly Chang (Class of 2021), Tiffany Chang (Class of 2018), Christie Huang (Class of 2013), Kathryn Huang (Class of 2014), Emmerson Waite (Class of 2018*), Sara Lowin (Class of 2018) and current student Andrea M. Together, these young, inspiring leaders exemplify what the famous anthropologist Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Clairbourn School is proud to have such thoughtful and committed alums and students changing the world by “knitting our love to tiny beginnings.”
Madhatter Knits was able to sponsor three out of the 10 GoKarts that were needed by CHLA. GoKarts provide CHLA patients a fun escape and a way for them to just be kids. CHLA is still in need of 10 mobile gaming GoKarts for patients who might not be able to leave their room/bed. If you are interested in learning more about this project or want to be involved with Madhatter Knits, please contact Janny Chang at jchang@clairbourn.org.
Clairbourn School Provides Private School Education for Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary School, and Middle School Grades | Serving Families in the Pasadena, California, Area and Surrounding Cities (K-12 Private Schools) | Clairbourn is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Click here to request information.