So, a non-profit organization that provides emergency services is planning their annual fundraising luncheon. Due to the economy donations are down; needs are greater than ever. They really need to put together a program that will inspire attendees to donate. Their keynote speaker is nationally known and a perfect mix of controversial and amazing but they still need just the right person for the all-important “ask.” They consider local politicians and philanthropists. Let’s say it comes down to two candidates: former Mayor Norm Rice or Quinn Smart.

The non-profit Solid Ground chose Quinn Smart, even though she is not former mayor and will not even be eligible to vote for another six years. But Quinn Smart is a definitely a philanthropist and has been since before she actually learned the word in 4th grade. Now a 6th grader at Whitman Middle School, Quinn is an experienced Penny Harvest volunteer and longtime (in childhood years) member of a youth philanthropy board. Even as a (younger) child Quinn remembers that seeing homeless people in Ballard “touched my inner shell.”

Although philanthropy runs in the family, Quinn’s mother Julie Smart credits the Penny Harvest program that Quinn did at Adams Elementary School as life-changing for her daughter. Penny Harvest is part of the national Common Cents program, in which school children collect pennies (and change) and then meet throughout the school year to decide what causes to support.

At 12, Quinn is familiar with the terminology usually confined to development directors, referring to “talking points” and “the ask.” Quinn had previously made “the ask” at Penny Harvest house parties, but those had a certain script. For the Solid Ground luncheon on May 6th she wrote her own speech.

Solid Ground’s motto is “Building community to end poverty.” They provide support to people in need through a food bank, housing, skill-training, and helping to connect people with resources. Physically located in Wallingford they provide services throughout Puget Sound.

Mike Buchman, Solid Ground communications manager had interviewed Quinn for a Penny Harvest promotional video. “She has a line about how Penny Harvest has changed her thinking from ‘little kids can’t make a difference’ to ‘little kids are even better at making a difference.’” Thinking at Solid Ground was, how can she not inspire adults to make a difference?

Quinn’s earliest causes involved animals, and still do, but her philanthropic focus has changed over the years. As a student at Adams Elementary she was particularly aware of how quickly an accident or injury can derail a person’s life: their own teacher Mr. Skillings suffered brain injury from an attack while defending a fellow passenger at a bus stop. Quinn’s awareness of needs throughout the world has also increased through recent events and her ongoing role in youth philanthropy round tables.

As one might expect in someone as articulate and convincing as any politician, Quinn’s talents are not confined to philanthropy. She would like to be a writer, has started writing at least ten novels and has a blog. She’s an avid reader, loves acting, enjoys being an emcee for events, takes kayak lessons and plays soccer.

We talked a few days before the luncheon, even as event planners kept her identity under wraps. I asked if she was nervous. “Is that this Friday?” she asked her mother. Her speech was written and she was full of details about the organization.

“People should know when they give to Solid Ground they are giving directly back to their own community,” she said, “I really like how they use any funds in the most efficient way possible.”

I left Quinn feeling a bit dazed by her confidence, intelligence and energy. It reminded me of seeing a baby calf walk immediately after its birth, but without any first tentative steps. It was only later that I even remembered the keynote speaker for the event: Dan Savage, writer, editor and activist, speaking about his online “It Gets Better Project” which has generated over 10,000 video submissions and a book in just six months.

At the luncheon Quinn appeared equally unfazed addressing an audience of 800 people. Announcing that a donor had agreed to match any individual’s gift of $250, she quipped that she usually tells people that even little donations make a difference but in this case, a big one would be even better.

I saw her in the lobby afterwards, but forgot to ask if she was going to go back to finish the school day. If asking 800 people to donate so that a non-profit can provide vital services is a valid excuse for missing class, I would definitely sign her note.

Quinn asked me to tell readers they can still send checks to Solid Ground Resource Development, 1501 North 45th Street, Seattle, WA 98103 or donate through their website at HYPERLINK "http://www.solidground.org" www.solidground.org