What I didn’t expect was how quickly this campaign would gain momentum. Friends, family, neighbors—even complete strangers—reached out with words of encouragement, stories of their own experiences, and most importantly, support. Seeing someone wearing a shirt I designed in my neighborhood, or receiving a message from someone who said it helped them feel seen, has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.
In just over a month, the campaign raised $1,600, all of which went to three organizations doing vital work:
This grassroots effort was powered by community love, allyship, and generosity—especially from Melrose and beyond. I'm proud and humbled to have turned design into a tool for activism, visibility, and change.