Hello! My name is Lexis Dawson, and I’m a 10th-grade student at Royal Oak High School. This year, all sophomores complete something called the Personal Project — a year-long project where each student chooses a topic that truly matters to them, creates a product or action around it, and writes a final report on what they learned.

For my project, I chose to focus on something very close to my heart: the stray animal crisis in Detroit. Every day, countless animals in our city are abandoned, hungry, and in need of medical care or a safe home. Many local shelters are doing everything they can, but they’re often overcrowded and underfunded.

That’s where I want to help.

I’m organizing this fundraiser to raise money for local animal shelters and rescues that are working hard to give these animals a second chance. Every donation — no matter the amount — will go directly toward food, medical supplies, and safe shelter for animals in need.

My goal is not only to help save lives, but also to raise awareness about the ongoing animal crisis in our community. With your support, I hope to make a real difference and show that even one student can help create change.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and for supporting a cause that means the world to me. Together, we can make Detroit a better place for our furry friends. ❤️