Hello, my name is Emily Wallace.

I am vision impaired, but I have never allowed my disability to stop me from following my purpose. In 2017, I founded Hearts of the World Foundation, a nonprofit organization 501(c)(3), because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of children and families who needed someone to believe in them.

Our message is simple:

“Stop a Bully, Save a Life.”

Every time I meet with children, I see how deeply bullying affects them. Some are afraid to speak up. Some feel invisible. Some carry emotional pain that no child should ever have to endure. My mission is to let every child know that they matter, they are loved, and they are never alone.

For nearly eight years, I have personally funded this organization with my own money because I believe this mission is too important to stop. I never imagined asking for help, but today I am reaching out with a humble heart because I can no longer continue doing this alone.

Hearts of the World Foundation travels throughout Metropolitan Detroit to schools, Boys & Girls Clubs, and community organizations, sharing messages of kindness, respect, and hope. We host anti-bullying events where children enjoy pizza, refreshments, music, motivational speakers, games, and meaningful conversations that encourage them to treat others with compassion.

One of the most meaningful moments at every event is when I invite children to come to the front and share why they believe bullying needs to stop. Time after time, children have bravely stood before everyone and shared their personal stories. Some have told me they were being bullied every day and that hearing our message gave them hope, confidence, and the courage to speak up. Hearing a child say, “This changed my life,” is something I will never forget.

I’ve also witnessed something truly incredible. At some of our events, children who admitted they had bullied others found the courage to participate as well. After listening to the stories of children who had been hurt by bullying, they promised to stop bullying others because they finally understood how deeply their actions could hurt someone and how serious the consequences can be. Seeing both the child who was bullied and the child who chose to change reminds me that kindness has the power to transform lives.

To celebrate the children’s courage, every child leaves with something special. Whether it’s a “Stop a Bully, Save a Life” T-shirt, a pen with our message, or the opportunity to win prizes such as laptops, tablets, Dairy Queen gift cards, or a new pair of shoes, I want every child to leave feeling seen, appreciated, and valued. Every child is a winner.

Our mission doesn’t end with children.

Hearts of the World Foundation also serves people experiencing homelessness throughout Metropolitan Detroit by delivering hot Little Caesars pizzas, bottled water, and T-shirts. Sometimes the greatest gift we can give someone is simply reminding them that they haven’t been forgotten.

Today, I find myself at a difficult point. After years of personally paying for these programs, my funds have been exhausted. Without financial support, I may not be able to continue hosting these events or serving the people who have come to depend on Hearts of the World Foundation.

As someone who is vision impaired, there have been many obstacles in my life. But the thought of having to tell a child that we can no longer come because we don’t have the resources is heartbreaking. I refuse to give up on these children or this mission, but I cannot continue without help.

Your donation will help provide:

Anti-bullying events for children

Educational materials and motivational speakers

Food and refreshments for community events

“Stop a Bully, Save a Life” T-shirts and giveaways

Laptops, tablets, gift cards, shoes, and other prizes that encourage children to participate

Transportation and event expenses

Meals and outreach for people experiencing homelessness throughout Metropolitan Detroit

No donation is too small. Every dollar helps us continue changing lives, one child, one family, and one community at a time.

If you’re unable to donate, I would be deeply grateful if you would share this fundraiser with your family, friends, and on social media. Sharing our story can make just as much of a difference.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read my story and for believing in the mission of Hearts of the World Foundation. Your kindness, generosity, and support will help us continue reaching children before bullying destroys their confidence, and continue reminding people in need that someone still cares.

Together, we can continue to Stop a Bully and Save a Life.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Emily Wallace

Founder, Hearts of the World Foundation