In Our Community

Simon Says Give

An organization where kids celebrate kids

By Jill Funke | Photos courtesy of Simon Says Give

Children who are empowered at an early age to make a difference in others’ lives often grow up to become adults whose impact on the world is significant. Simon Says Give (SSG) is a child-inspired non-profit organization that began about ten years ago in Eagan, MN. Seven-year-old Mandi Simon fulfilled her birthday wish to start a company that would ensure every child is celebrated on their birthday. The concept of kids like Mandi celebrating other kids was an eye-opener for Nolan Fleming. At the age of 9, he attended an SSG business dinner with his mother and then SSG Public Relations consultant Jennifer Fleming. Organization founder Mandi, along with her mother Dina were also present at that fateful event. As they were leaving the dinner, Nolan asked Jennifer if he could do what Mandi was doing, and she whole-heartedly exclaimed, “Of course!”

The Flemings’ first SSG fundraising experience paved the way for the family to immerse themselves in the worthwhile cause. Jennifer reflects on that first fundraising event by saying, “Little did I know that the first lemonade stand we held in our driveway would yield $750 and years later, the amazing chapter of Simon Says Give SD that provides hundreds of children with the celebration they deserve.” The Fleming family launched a South Dakota Chapter that is directed by an adult board of directors and a kid’s board of directors, of which Nolan, now 15, leads as President. His siblings Jonah (16) and Ethan (12) are chapter board members. Jennifer serves as the Director of the Board of Simon Says Give in both MN and SD, and she is also the proud mom of Nolan, Jonah, and Ethan. The kid’s board also includes Vice President Cassidy Jennings (15) and Ben Maxwell (10), who lives in Fort Pierre and helps spread the word across the state of South Dakota. According to Jennifer, the Kid Board runs the meetings with an agenda. Through their planning, budgeting, fundraising, and marketing activities, the kids learn critical skills that will serve them well when they reach adulthood. Jennifer is always impressed with the kids and their dedication to the mission of SSG; as she explains, “All some kids want is to be able to have that party and a present or two. Nolan and the kids of Simon Says Give are committed to making it happen.”

For kids ages 5-12, SSG provides what they call “organic” birthday parties. They’ve also installed “Birthday Closets” through partnerships with Boys & Girls Club of the Sioux Empire, Volunteers of America Dakotas, and Jane Addams and Terry Redlin schools. Everything needed for a birthday celebration is provided; as Jennifer

explains, “Kids can visit the closet and pick out their plates, napkins, cake, and frosting as well as a Gift of Need and a Gift of Fun.” Embracing the organization became a tradition in the Fleming household, as Jennifer says, “

Simon Says Give is our family’s “extracurricular” activity. It’s also something that binds us together.” By stepping outside their comfort zones to speak to audiences at events or presenting ideas to rooms full of adults, Jennifer feels that each of her children has matured and grown from this experience. She continues, “The level of empathy, kindness, and concern they have demonstrated makes me so proud of them. And I have loved mentoring the Kid Board and all the amazing kids that are and have been part of our organization.” n

Anyone wanting to donate, volunteer, or sponsor Simon Says Give should visit: simonsaysgive.org

Parents or guardians who need help celebrating a child should also reach out via the website.

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