A local third grader turned her sweet tooth into a sweet success for a good cause. Rhaelyn Waters (pictured above), a Wessington Springs Elementary student, raised a little over $700 for the Springs Area Bus Services and Meals on Wheels with her self-organized fundraiser, “Sweets for a Cause.”
Waters came up with the idea on her own, initially planning to host an apple-pie and cider stand. She even picked the date, Sept. 20, and began making flyers, which she distributed at school.
After discussing the project with her mom, Chelsea Waters, the pair decided to turn the stand into a fundraiser. Together they spent hours baking cookies, bars and two apple pies. Shoppers found everything from classic chocolate-chip cookies to pumpkin desserts with the latter selling out first.
Waters priced each item at $2 and was overwhelmed by the response.
“I had so many generous and kind customers,” Waters said. “Everyone was so proud of the idea.”
Community members’ enthusiasm helped the young entrepreneur exceed her fundraising goal and make a meaningful contribution to the local programs.
October 3, 2025
Please publish as a small boxed ad in the October 15th and October 22nd publications.
Thank you, Nikki VonEye Administrator