CHI 3 was founded in 2014 by six passionate teens from Long Island with the mantra ‘Children Helping Children. Since then, it has grown tremendously and now has 3 teams on Long Island, in Manhattan, and in New Jersey. From creative fundraising to team building events and spreading awareness on the go, CHI 3 members are resolute in their mission. The funds raised go towards serving underprivileged children in their communities.
Founding CHI 3 Board Members:
Divya Advani, Karishma Kamat, Rhea Manjrekar, Fatemah Mukadum, Milan Sani
Annual Events:
- Summer Camp Scholarship: Each summer, up to 35 homeless children are sponsored to attend an 8-week, all-expenses-paid camp. The experience includes pool outings, amusement park trips, and transportation, giving the children a chance to create lasting memories.
- Hope in a Backpack: New backpacks filled with school supplies are personally delivered to children in local shelters, ensuring they start the school year with confidence and the necessary tools to succeed.
- Thanksgiving Food Drive: Full Thanksgiving meals, including turkey and all the fixings, are provided to families facing food insecurity, bringing warmth and comfort during the holiday season.
- Holiday Gifts: Holiday gifts and homemade baked goods are hand-delivered to children in shelters, creating moments of joy and connection during the winter season.
Fundraisers that Fuel the Mission
- 3v3 Basketball Tournament: A high-energy basketball tournament that becomes more competitive each year. The winning team is awarded $150 Amazon gift cards and, of course, bragging rights!
- Walkathon/Bikeathon: The largest fundraiser of the year, this event brings the community together to walk, bike, and cheer for underserved youth. The funds raised help support and sustain vital programs.
- Car Wash: A fun and engaging car wash event held each summer, where volunteers wash cars to raise funds and spread smiles, making a visible impact in the community.
- Halloween Pet Costume Contest: An adorable fundraiser where furry friends dress up and compete for the best costume, creating a festive, fun, and paws-itively delightful atmosphere.
- Sweet Success at the Sadhu Vaswani Center’s Mela Event: In a beautiful display of teamwork and creativity CHI 3 participates in a fall Mela event – they sell homemade baked goods, bracelets, and have a tattoo station & face painting for the younger kids. Their energy and smiles turn heads and warm hearts as they educate others about CHI 3 and its mission.
- Feeding Hearts at the Samaritan Homeless Shelter: CHI 3 members prepare over 200 packed lunches for the homeless shelter. Each bag not only includes a sandwich and snacks, but a hand-crafted holiday card, which adds a loving touch to each meal. The gratitude of the residents remind CHI 3 that they deliver more than food, they provide hope.
- Holiday Cheer for a Special Class: CHI 3 members adopt a classroom and help make the holidays special by fulfilling each child’s holiday wishlist. Each member is paired with a child and provides a special gift from “Santa.” For many of these children, whose families rely on shelters for support, the experience brings holiday joy and lets them know their wishes are being heard and celebrated.
- Valentine’s Day at Lakeland Healthcare Nursing Home: CHI 3 prepare and host a Special Valentine’s Day party for the residents at the nursing home. With homemade treats, warm chai, singing and most of all a dance party – they bring genuine happiness to the elderly residents.