Nathan Hidajat accepts his Young Hero of the Heartland Award from the American Red Cross. Photo from Robert Hidajat
Back in February, we shared the story of Nathan Hidajat, who decided before he turned 8 that he wanted to give up his birthday for charity: water after watching the video of Scott Harrison on stage at Big Omaha 2010 (see our post Ames 2nd Grader, Nathan Hidajat, raises $1k for charity: water in 7 days). Nathan met his original goal — raising $1,000 — in a mere seven days. Not content to stop there, he’s raised and met new goals several times since.
Charity: water campaigns typically last for 90 days, and Nathan’s will reach that in about three days. As of his last update on Tuesday, he had raised more than $3,000 from 86 donors. I conducted an email interview with Nathan, who (with the help of his father, Robert) looked back over his charity: water experience so far and discussed fund-raising goals for the future.
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Silicon Prairie News: How do you feel about reaching your goal of raising $3,000 for charity: water?
Nathan Hidajat: I feel great! I am happy and thankful for everybody who helped me reach my goal. Most importantly, I am excited that the money raised will help more than 150 people get clean water.
SPN: Do you have another goal for the last few days of your campaign?
Hidajat: My next goal is either $4,000 or 100 donors.
SPN: What have you learned from this whole experience?
Hidajat: I [learned] that:
- Even someone as small as me can help people and make a difference in the world.
- Helping people is fun!
- People are very nice and want to help.
- At first I was scared and nervous to play piano for Grandmas and Grandpas at the retirement homes [as a thank you to the donors], but it’s actually very fun! I really like to see them happy and sing along when I play for them.
- People like my drawings [also a donor thank you] and feel that I appreciate their help and donation.
Additionally, the Lincoln Way chapter of the American Red Cross recognized Nathan as one of several “Young Heroes of the Heartland” in an event on Tuesday night in Ames. According to the organization’s website, this award is used “to recognize and pay tribute to young people, under 21, who have demonstrated local acts of heroism.”
