Caring Canes

Dacey is a leader, an innovator, an entrepreneur, an inspiration and a hero to the Ronald McDonald House. But what makes Dacey most different from other leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs and heroes? Dacey is a fourth grader from Watertown, SD.

Dacey started her charity work when she got her entire elementary school involved to save pop tabs for the charity. But like many charitable minded little entrepreneurs, that wasn't enough for Dacey.  Dacey just couldn't stop thinking about what else she could do to help families facing scary medical situations far away from home.

Then it came to her. She had an idea but she would need a reliable investor. With her third grade business plan firmly in hand she made an impassioned appeal to her number one investor prospect.  It worked.  Grandma Jan agreed to donate the felt pipe cleaners, triangle beads and an automatic change counter to make her project possible. And like that, the Ronald McDonald House Caring Canes concept was born. 

Dacey has been making the candy canes for over a year now.  She has raised almost $200 for the charity at just 50 cents per cane.  You do the math.  That’s 400 Ronald McDonald House Caring Canes in distribution so far!  You go girl!

A short time ago, a bank representative spoke to Dacey’s class about business plans.   Dacey was thrilled because she already had one in place.  She really felt like she could really ‘talk his language.’  In fact, she says she may raise the price of the candy canes to one dollar since interested prospects often do not carry correct change in their pockets. Dacey’s favorite part is when customers offer give her more than her 50 cent asking price. 

The happy little pipe cleaner bead canes come in all different colors (even a green and gold cane made by special request for a die hard Packer Backer.)  Much to her delight, Dacey discovered that near Valentine's Day when she puts two canes together she can form a heart and get twice the return on investment!

“They are very entertaining to do. And it just feels good to make them,” Dacey said. 

Dacey is proof, in a world where helping others can sometimes seem far away and overwhelming, with a little imagination - everyone can do something. Dacey and Grandma Jan, you rock!

MJ Schmidt
Executive Director