A gem of a fundraiser

Kennedy Dillow of Jackson loves animals. She loves them so much that she has spent a year making jewelry to sell so the profits can be donated to the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri, where animals are given up by their owners or brought in as strays.

The first check Kennedy wrote to the Humane society was for $1,047.

Seven-year-old Kennedy Dillow held her dachshund, Mylee, on Wednesday as she waited to give her donation to the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri. Dillow, whose mother has put limits on how many animals she can have, donated $803 that she earned from selling jewelry she made. (Kit Doyle)

"That was this summer," said Cheryle Dillon, Humane Society director.

On Wednesday, Kennedy wrote a check for $803.

But the young entrepreneur had a platform before her present age of 7. Guests at her third birthday were asked to bring supplies or make monetary gifts to the Humane Society instead of giving her a gift.

A first-grade student at St. Paul Lutheran School, Kennedy has two dachshunds: Zoey Belle and Mylee Star. She also has 10 fish. The dogs both wear necklaces made for them. Zoey's says "Hot Dog" and Mylee's says "I Love Bones."

Besides making jewelry with her mom, Kennedy likes to read and was inspired to help her community by authors Jamie Lee Curtis and Dr. Wayne Spencer. Her mom, Angela, said it was around the time Kennedy really started reading a lot that she got an idea about selling biscuits at the park for 25 cents each to earn money for the Humane Society. They discussed it, and Angela said the idea was good although Kennedy probably wouldn't make a lot of money selling biscuits. Mother and daughter had made jewelry so they decided to sell it at a yard sale.

"People are looking for a bargain at yard sales -- not to make a donation -- so we didn't make much money," Angela said. "We began to think about how to trigger interest in the jewelry and sales began to develop through word-of-mouth. People would see me or my co-workers wearing [the jewelry] and would ask about it."

The jewelry was also worn by firefighters' wives. Kennedy's dad is a firefighter and that was another avenue for sales.

Kennedy said because her dad helps people, it made her want to help the animals.

"She would like to have more animals but I won't let her take every one home. This is a way Kennedy can help more animals."

Angela said once her hairstylist, Clint Matlock at Hey Gorgeous Salon in Cape Girardeau, heard what Kennedy was doing, he offered to let her set up a display in the salon. "He is a huge supporter of the Humane Society," she said.

Business partner Trena Lawrence said they get a lot of foot traffic through the shop that helps sales for Kennedy. "She's a sweet little girl, and it's a great thing she's doing," she said.

The sales at Hey Gorgeous began this past summer, and Angela said about half the money raised has resulted from orders and jewelry sold there. "If someone sees a necklace or bracelet they like but would like it in a different color, Clint calls her up and she makes it," Angela said.

Every Saturday mother and daughter deliver jewelry to the salon.

A red stone in each piece of jewelry serves to remind owners of the heart of the animal they helped save. Angela said that was her daughter's idea. "Kennedy thought this was necessary to make the jewelry special, and her favorite color is red."

"I think it's important that kids learn to give at a young age. I'm hoping that Kennedy has that good feeling about giving, just as she does for receiving," Angela said.

Kennedy also makes bookmarks and animal jewelry. "My favorite thing is bookmarks, they're easier," she said.

Recently Kennedy earned a certificate of accomplishment from Build-A-Bear. "They have a section on their Web site called Huggable Heroes where you can submit stories of worthwhile accomplishments," said Angela, who submitted Kennedy's story. Along with the certificate of accomplishment, Kennedy received a $100 gift certificate.

Prices for bracelets range from children's sizes at $6 to adult extended sizes at $13; necklaces for animals are $9 and ones for humans are $13. They can be ordered online at semopets.org, following the link to "Our Store," or can be purchased at Hey Gorgeous Salon, 113 Independence St.

Angela said Cape Girardeau Mayor Jay Knudtson is going match Kennedy's next donation to the Humane Society.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133