Tessa embraced The Giving Project right from the get-go. A couple years earlier, her uncle had a devastating mountain biking accident that rendered him a quadriplegic. So, choosing a project was pretty easy. Tessa chose Inglis House because they aid people with disabilities like his.

The project requires each child to select a charity, then write and execute their fundraising plan. Tessa decided to create an elevator speech and ask people for money. She memorized her pitch and figured out how to ask for larger donations. And she did!  Over the year, Tess raised over $1,000.

Tessa continued fundraising for Inglis after the project had ended.  She loved the feeling of pride she had each time she delivered donations to Inglis or attended their events. Inglis House was so impressed by Tessa and her efforts that they nominated her for the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals. In 2015, Tessa was presented with the award during the 30th Annual National Philanthropy Day Awards Gala Luncheon.