Originally published 2019-09-06.
A youngster is being praised for donating $15,000 to a children’s research hospital.
Diesel Pippert, a seventh-grader at Western Reserve Local Schools in Huron County, Ohio, earned $15,000 in livestock premiums from the county fair’s animal sale.
Much to his adult peers’ surprise, Diesel donated all of his money to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Amazed by his generous donation, the school district posted a picture of Diesel to their Facebook page as a means of spotlighting this good deed.
“A young man lives amongst us who should be an example to us all,” the district Facebook page wrote. “His donation of $15,000 will help to find cures for young children and save lives. Diesel, you are a hero!”
Since hundreds of social media users have already shared the post, Diesel’s generosity has inspired others to donate to the hospital as well.
A donation connected to real effort
The amount draws attention, but the story becomes more meaningful when connected to the work and activity that produced it. Pippert chose to direct the earnings from the fair toward a cause he valued. That choice is worth recognising without turning the size of his gift into an expectation for every young person.
Make room for smaller forms of generosity
A useful family conversation could begin with how to choose a cause, learn what an organisation does and decide what contribution is realistic. Time, a modest gift or a practical task can all be considered. The lesson is purposeful participation rather than competing with an exceptional donation. Children should be able to explore generosity with guidance while keeping a voice in decisions about their own efforts and resources.
Where the $15,000 came from
Diesel, then 12, sold a hog for $15,000 at the large animal sale of the 2019 Huron County Fair; the bidding began at $500. He had been auctioning pigs, cows and dairy steers since he was nine. He wanted to outdo a teenager in Medina County who had auctioned his hog for $11,000 and given the money to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. “Our hearts are full of joy,” said his mother, Erin Sanders. “He’s a remarkable young man.” She hoped he would donate to St. Jude every year, and the family planned to visit the hospital to deliver toys and games. “We’re very proud of what an upstanding young man he is,” said Rodge Wilson, the district’s superintendent.
Sources: KVIA (CNN), 23 August 2019: 12-year-old boy raises $15,000 at county fair pig auction, then donates it to St. Jude WEWS (via ABC15), 19 August 2019: An Ohio boy donated his county fair winnings to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
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