Bush Hill Student Raises Funds for International Nonprofit

Mia Rose Thackston spent years watching her mom, Trish, develop her jewelry line and decided to launch Jewelry by Mia Rose at age 7.  

Mia Rose held her first show at her home in Rose Hill and sold all her pieces. She then decided to start donating her proceeds to charity and chose Heifer International as the recipient. Heifer aims to help eradicate hunger and poverty through the gift of livestock. Trish said that Mia Rose chose Heifer because it helps kids all over the world who are less fortunate than her. 

"I like to help people who don't have as much as I do," said Mia Rose. "It feels good."

In January 2010, Mia Rose held her first fundraising jewelry show at a coffeshop near Mount Vernon with a goal of raising $520, the amount needed to donate a heifer and a flock of chicks that would help sustainably feed a family in need. To date, she has raised $1,625, and her new goal is $3,000. 

Mia Rose's jewelry line features necklaces and earrings made with glass and shell beads. Each piece is $15 with at least 25 percent of the earnings going to Heifer International. Trish said that sometimes she donates 50 percent to Heifer or 25 percent to another organization if she's fundraising on the behalf of one of her peers. 

In September, Mia Rose will be introducing some new silver and copper designs. For more information about the jewelry, please visit jewelrybymiarose.com. 

To help Mia Rose reach her goal or learn more about Heifer International, please visit her donation page on heifer.org.