Hockaday Student Honored For Charitable Work
Charlsie Doan doesn’t volunteer and raise funds and organize for the recognition. She does it to support places that have shown her support in her 13 years.
But thanks to her work, she was honored with the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy award at the annual National Philanthropy Day luncheon on Nov. 14.
Doan was born without a right hand and became a patient at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children when she was 6 months old.
“I’ve just developed a great relationship with the doctors and administrators there,” she said. “It’s been my home away from home.”
By the time she was a kindergartener, Doan had the itch to play violin. So a doctor in the prosthetics department developed an attachment for her so she could play.
Today, as an eighth-grader at Hockaday, she’s still playing. And because of that ability, she wanted to find a way to do something for the place that had given her so much.
“I started raising money to give back to the hospital,” she said. “Really, I just want to give back to them for not only the medical side but the emotional support that they’ve given me.”
Doan made a presentation to the Crystal Charity Ball committee on behalf of Scottish Rite last year to secure fundraising, which she did; the organization pledged $500,000 after hearing her speak and play.
But violin isn’t her only interest. Together with her family, Doan is integrally involved in KidSwing, a juvenile golf tournament that raises money for Scottish Rite patient care, including hospital equipment and therapy. Doan’s father is a professional golfer at Preston Trail Golf Club, so the sport comes naturally to her.
“I have been here 27 years and have known her since she came here as a baby,” Scottish Rite vice president of development Stephanie Brigger said. “I can still see her as a little toddler swinging that club.”
Though Doan confessed that golf is more of a hobby than a true love, she still has been involved with KidSwing since she was 2 years old.
“I play with my dad for fun and in KidSwing, but I don’t really play,” she said.
She is, however, a member of the KidSwing Junior Committee and helps other members raise money. Each participant is asked to raise at least $100, but by herself, she has raised more than $167,000 for the organization over time.
At the luncheon to honor her philanthropic efforts along with some adult counterparts, her family and Scottish Rite “family” were able to attend. But it’s not the recognition that matters to her.
“I hope I can continue to share the story and give people perspective on why all these charitable causes are so important,” she said.
