Dear GoFundMe Community,
This fundraiser was created solely to support my friend’s daughter, Athina — a talented young artist from Greece — and help her achieve her dream of studying Fashion Design in Milan, Italy.
Unfortunately, GoFundMe does not yet support fundraisers hosted directly in Greece, which is why I am organizing this on her behalf.All funds raised will be transferred to her bank account in Greece to support her dream. Please, take a moment to read her story in her own words below.
Hello GoFundMe community,
My name is Athina, I’m 18 years old, and I’ve just been accepted to study Fashion Design at Instituto Marangoni in Milan, Italy — a dream I’ve been working toward for years!
Unfortunately, I’m facing serious financial challenges, and unless I can raise the funds to cover my first-year tuition of €22,000 I won’t be able to enroll in classes in September 2026.
In addition to tuition, there will be living expenses and essential course materials, so any support beyond the tuition goal will also go a long way in helping me succeed during my time in Milan.
This opportunity means the world to me. Fashion has always been more than just a passion — it’s how I express myself, connect with others, and dream about building a future where I can create, inspire, and contribute to the industry I love.
If I had to describe my work, I’d call it organizational — centered around singular sensibilities like repetition and symmetry, with slick, clear lines and a focused, minimalist aesthetic. My work is also deeply personal: it’s a manifestation of my autism, reflecting the condition’s unique tendencies toward repetition and pattern. I see these traits not as limitations, but as powerful creative tools — ones that help me bring precision, consistency, and originality into everything I design.
I’ve uploaded a video on youtube (you can watch it by copying and pasting the link into your browser) https://www.youtube.com/@Athinak_K
showcasing some of my work from a recent exhibition— I hope it gives you a glimpse into my creative vision and the dedication I bring to this craft.
Every single donation, no matter the amount, brings me one step closer to turning this dream into reality. If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing my story — it truly makes a difference.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your time, your generosity, and your belief in me.
With love and gratitude,
Athina
Update (August 31st, 2025): Good news! Instituto Marangoni gave me an extension on the payment deadline until September 15.