Seven-year-old Sienna has grown up surrounded by the mission of the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF). Her mother, Sari Levy-Schorr, serves on the Advisory Board of Directors and has helped lead the New York City chapter for more than a decade. From a young age, Sienna has been part of CAF events and fundraisers, learning firsthand what it means to give back. 

But one summer, just shy of her fifth birthday, Sienna decided she wanted to make a difference on her own. With curiosity and determination, she organized a bake sale to raise money for CAF athletes. 

A Young Leader with a Big Heart 

Sienna poured her energy into the project. She baked cookies, decorated posters, wrapped each treat individually, and even designed her own CAF-inspired logo. She created a special wallet to collect proceeds and practiced how to talk about the cause. What started as a simple idea turned into a powerful act of generosity. 

At a CAF luncheon in New York, Sienna proudly set up her bake sale. She greeted guests, explained why she was raising money, and handled sales with confidence. By the end of the day, she had raised $242 — money she thought might buy a running leg for one of her CAF friends. While the cost of that equipment far exceeded the funds she raised, the true impact was far greater: Sienna showed that passion and effort matter more than size or scale. 

A Family Philosophy of Giving 

Her parents reflected on the lessons they try to instill at home:
“Our mottos in our household are ‘Do Unto Others’ and ‘Do With Others.’ We believe that every dollar counts and every person’s contribution, no matter their age, matters. It’s never too early to teach our young ones about community service, philanthropy, helping others, and most importantly, empathy.” 

This family-centered approach to giving has made Sienna one of CAF’s youngest volunteers. Since her bake sale, she has continued to contribute at every opportunity. 

Beyond the Bake Sale 

Sienna has supported CAF in countless ways — from helping at races and galas to volunteering at school-based service days. She has stuffed goody bags, helped organize tables, and cheered at events alongside CAF athletes. Her consistent involvement makes her a role model for her peers and a reminder that the next generation is already finding ways to make a difference. 

CAF staff and athletes have watched Sienna grow into a thoughtful and compassionate volunteer. With every event she attends, she strengthens the community around her and demonstrates the power of starting young. 

Inspiring the Next Generation of Supporters 

Sienna’s story highlights a key truth: making an impact doesn’t require waiting until adulthood. With guidance and encouragement, young people can lead initiatives that inspire others and fuel lasting change. 

By raising funds, volunteering at events, and sharing her passion with classmates, Sienna has shown how youth fundraising not only supports athletes with physical disabilities but also nurtures empathy, leadership, and responsibility in the process. 

How Families Can Get Involved 

Sienna’s bake sale is just one example of how families can connect with CAF. Parents and children alike can find ways to support athletes with physical disabilities — whether through hosting small fundraisers, dedicating milestone celebrations to CAF, or volunteering together at local events. 

When young people see the immediate impact of their efforts, as Sienna did, they understand that every action matters. These experiences create lifelong advocates for inclusion, resilience, and community. 

Want to Support CAF as a Family? 

Families across the country are finding meaningful ways to join CAF’s mission. From organizing school fundraisers to volunteering at events or dedicating a birthday celebration to raise funds, every effort helps expand opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities. By encouraging children to get involved early, parents can instill values of empathy, community service, and generosity that last a lifetime.