Colt Wicker of Dundee has already shown, at the young age of 10, that he is an extraordinary kid who seems to have an abundance of compassion and a passion to help others in the communities around him. And he has quite the resume to show for it.
It was his mother who said to me “He has a heart of gold.” His grandmother, who was present during my interview with Colt, echoed she was so proud of him- “he has a big, generous heart” and informed me that one of his major fundraising efforts is ongoing. It is to bring in a new playground area for the Dundee elementary students. She added that Colt is well aware that this playground won’t be completed before he moves onward into future grades. But he’s doing this for future kids to use. Because of American Disability Act guidelines, the estimate they were given was $250,000. For me that seems high, but it has not deterred Colt from already raising $6,000 for it which has already gone towards replacing the swings and chains and to add an ADA-approved door for the existing ball pit.
With the Finger Lakes Times set to present its special Community Giving section in this Saturday’s newspaper, Colt’s story seems like the perfect one as a preview for it.
No doubt Colt’s parents (Brett and Alyssa) deserve many kudos for the fundraising guidance they have given their son, something that started when he was only four years old. It was then he took on his first endeavor- selling popcorn to raise money for The Living Well in Penn Yan. As their website says: “The Living Well is a safe, respectful space dedicated to helping Yates County residents and families in need. Located in Penn Yan, NY, we are a community- and grant-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing emergency assistance for food, personal hygiene and household cleaning necessities; utilities; referral services; peer support for loss and those living with cancer, and youth programming.”
Popcorn sales is a big source of the revenue generated but he also collects can to be redeemed. People are welcome to drop off their cans at the farmstead by his home at 4418 Six Corners Rd, in Dundee or at Two-Can Dan’s, 137 Benham St, in Penn Yan. Arrangements have been made for anyone dropping off their cans at Two-Cans, the money from those returns can be directed to Colt.
His parents have made it so Colt has minimal to no overhead. That means they happily supply the popcorn maker, oil, and popcorn kernels- lots of them.
And unlike the many lemonade stands you might see kids at during the summer months where the parents are also likely to supply the beverage or ingredients- for Colt it didn’t turn out to be a one and done thing. He has run with it.
Since that first popcorn event he has raised funds for: Golisano Children’s Hospital in Rochester, NYS Sheriff’s Camp on Keuka Lake, Dundee Central Schools food pantry, Dundee’s school pre-k/kindergarten early reading program, Hope Walk of Yates County and the Tyrone Fire Dept./EMTs.
He also sells popcorn at pop-up events like Concerts in the Park, or at the farm stand in front of his home. He has also organized a benefit spaghetti dinner. He does receive private donations too.
It should be noted the fundraising generally goes very well. He generates from $100 to $1000 at each event. Sometimes they only last a couple of hours.
I suggested that it might be great if he could sell his popcorn this winter at the boys and girls varsity basketball games. Apparently he has tried to arrange for this but has gotten little interest from the school. Considering Colt is has raised funds for a new playground for that very school, along with some school programs there, it seems odd Colt selling popcorn at games wouldn’t be embraced by the DCS administration.
It was through Facebook that I first became aware of Colt’s exploits. I follow the page Four Seasons Alpacas and Rug Weaving to keep track of potential photo opportunities. It was on that Facebook page that Brett Wicker would often update some of the good things Colt was doing.
It was certainly no surprise to the answer I got when I asked Colt what he wanted to be when he grew up? He responded with “an EMT.”
Naturally just another way to continue helping others in any way he can and being the finest of examples for his three younger siblings.
Anyone wishing to help can email through their website at https://www.fourseasonalpacas.org
Bigger Picture: A heart of gold
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27.11.2023
Colt Wicker of Dundee has already shown, at the young age of 10, that he is an extraordinary kid who seems to have an abundance of compassion and a passion to help others in the communities around him. And he has quite the resume to show for it.
It was his mother who said to me “He has a heart of gold.” His grandmother, who was present during my interview with Colt, echoed she was so proud of him- “he has a big, generous heart” and informed me that one of his major fundraising efforts is ongoing. It is to bring in a new playground area for the Dundee elementary students. She added that Colt is well aware that this playground won’t be completed before he moves onward into future grades. But he’s doing this for future kids to use. Because of American Disability Act guidelines, the estimate they were given was $250,000. For me that seems high, but it has not deterred Colt from already raising $6,000 for it which has already gone towards replacing the swings and chains and to add an ADA-approved door for the existing ball pit.
With the Finger Lakes Times set to present its special Community........
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