National Philanthropy Day: Olivia Caravella

National Philanthropy Day is an annual celebration of all those who give financial gifts, in-kind donations, and gifts of time throughout the year, support that impacts communities and organizations that make the world a little bit better. It is also an opportunity to celebrate all our Girl Scouts do to make a difference in their communities and world!

There are many stories of incredible giving in our council, and today, we are going highlight one Girl Scout member and her philanthropic endeavors through the Gold Award Program.

Girl Scout Olivia Caravella is changing the future of her local garden.

Olivia is working towards her Girl Scout Gold Award—the most prestigious award a Girl Scout can earn. This rigorous award process challenges girls to drive lasting change in their communities. Olivia worked with the staff and volunteers at the Sheig Center Gardens to build a facility to hold the necessary items to continue the garden’s dedication to preserving, sustaining, and enhancing this space.

“My family has volunteered at the Scheig Gardens for many years. I participated in Marvin Gardens there as a child and have a connection to the gardens. Building a shed is a hands-on project that I feel provides a lasting, impactful benefit to the many volunteers who maintain the Scheig Gardens and supports preservation of green spaces within the City of Appleton” – Olivia Caravella, Appleton Parks & Recreation website.

Olivia has worked with the garden’s staff to identify storage and layout needs, ways to incorporate the building into the urban ecosystem seamlessly, and investigated options to make the shed more accessible for all volunteers—from toddlers to seniors. Olivia has garnered support through her leadership and drive and has fundraised 10,000 dollars in gifts and in-kind donations to create this building.

Olivia was also nominated for the Youth Philanthropist Award through the AFP Northeast Wisconsin Chapter for her project.

Kristin Caravella, Olivia’s mother, said, “Nomination for this award reinforces that her hard work pursuing her Gold Award along with being a diligent student and being active in her community is worth the time and effort. …Sometimes a young adult may not always feel they are a leader, but become one in the process of a project like the Gold Award where they identify and mobilize to solve an issue. Having a title doesn’t make someone a leader, it’s how they act and what they accomplish. I feel Olivia’s accomplishments speak for themselves. Am so proud she is a Girl Scout.”

Olivia was honored with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Schieg Center Gardens on November 10 and is being awarded a Girl Scout “Lifetime Member” Scholarship by an anonymous donor.

As a Lifetime Member of Girl Scouts, Olivia’s impact will extend for years, ensuring ALL Girl Scouts can unapologetically be themselves. Part of the membership cost of a Lifetime Member goes toward supporting local Girl Scouts with financial assistance and their membership costs. You can learn more about Lifetime Membership here.

Olivia is an embodiment of the Girl Scout mission of being a girl of courage, and confidence who makes the world a better place.

Join us in celebrating Girl Scout Philanthropists across our council and the nation today; Girl Scouts just like Olivia Caravella.