Simi Damani ’26 Helps Launch Philanthropic Teen Giving Circle

Shorecrest Upper School student Simi Damani ’26 is leading the charge in teen philanthropy as Vice President of Teens Who Care St. Petersburg, a new giving circle that empowers local teens to support nonprofits in their community. Inspired by the successful model of 100 Women Who Care St. Petersburg, the group will hold its inaugural meeting on January 30, bringing together high school students from around the area.

The concept of Teens Who Care is simple yet impactful. At least 100 area teens gather annually and donate $25 each. Together they listen to presentations from three local nonprofit organizations who get only five minutes to pitch their mission and present a service project that gives members a hands-on way to engage with their community, and five minutes to answer questions. After thoughtful deliberation, members vote to decide which organization will receive their pooled donations. 

The nonprofits that were considered and narrowed down by the board represent a wide range of causes, from animal rescue to the arts. In the end $2,500 or more will be awarded to the presenters who capture the young crowd.

Simi first got involved after she interviewed Shorecrest parent Christina Noordstar, a co-founder of 100 Women Who Care, for her financial literacy class. “Christina is really inspiring to me.” Simi shared. “Seeing how she runs the meetings - she’s always super positive, she explains how the St Pete community is so strong... she gets the whole city involved!” 

With a knack for connecting people, Simi hopes her strengths will help make the group successful. Among a variety of schools, she represents Shorecrest on the board alongside fellow Chargers Reece Campbell ‘26, Veronica Sarkis ‘26 and Asher Walton ‘26. “It’s exciting to see students from different schools coming together for a common purpose,” she said. Simi also manages the new group’s Instagram account.

When asked what resonates with her about the mission, Simi highlighted its community focus. “It brings together different parts of St. Pete that normally would not have been brought together.”

Balancing a rigorous school schedule, athletics, and this philanthropic startup has not been too challenging for Simi. “Being an athlete taught me time management,” she explained. 

For teens considering attending the first meeting, Simi emphasizes the benefits: networking, service opportunities and a deeper understanding of their community. “It’s a really good and easy way to give back to your community and learn more about the place that you live in while having fun and meeting new people.” 

St. Pete area teens who would like to join the inaugural Teens Who Care St Petersburg meeting on Thursday, January 30, at 6:30pm can learn more here:

https://100wwcstpetersburg.com/teens-who-care-program

Or sign up on their Grapevine platform:

https://www.grapevine.org/giving-circle/j2WHm1/Teens-Who-Care-St-Petersburg