The Pint-Sized Heroes program continues this summer with the announcement of Baskin-Robbins’ eleventh honoree to date: 10-year-old Romella Spitzer from Copperas Cove, TX! Romella exemplifies what it means to impact your community for the better, and Baskin-Robbins is excited to recognize Romella’s passion and commitment to serving her community.
Growing up with an older sister who has autism, Romella has always been dedicated to helping those with special needs and disabilities and wanted to find a way to give back. Inspired by her older sister’s love of painting, Romella planned an event in her community called “Chocolate Fantasia,” where special needs students came together to paint and enjoy chocolate treats. Funded by Romella’s lemonade stand and planned over the course of seven months, the event attracted 200 participants and raised over $3,400. The proceeds were used to purchase sensory classroom equipment for students with autism in her school district. For her efforts, Romella was one of twelve recipients of the prestigious Texas Student Hero Award.
Romella plans to continue her efforts by making “Chocolate Fantasia” an annual event. She also hopes to run other events for students and adults with special needs in her community throughout the year. Her goal is to show her community that those with special needs can do everything other people can, even if they have to take a different route.
We’re honored to recognize Romella, her dedication to her community, and her mission of spreading love and acceptance. To pay it forward, the Baskin-Robbins Joy in Childhood Foundation is giving a $5,000 donation to the charity of her choice, Camp Periwinkle, a summer camp in Texas for children with cancer and their siblings. To show our personal gratitude to Romella, we will also be treating her to a year of free Baskin-Robbins ice cream!
When Romella isn’t giving back or eating her favorite Baskin-Robbins ice cream – Vanilla, with lots of toppings – she enjoys painting and reading. Even with several accomplishments under her belt already, Romella has big dreams for when she grows up and aspires to be a veterinarian or an artist.
In the month of August, all Baskin-Robbins shops will be raising funds for Pint-Sized Heroes to continue recognizing those who prove you don’t have to be a grown up to step up. Visit your local Baskin-Robbins shop today to enjoy some ice cream and help us give back to the communities we serve!
For more information on the Pint-Sized Heroes initiative and to recognize a pint-sized hero in your community visit www.pintsizedheroes.com. You can also support the program by donating to the Pint-Sized Heroes Fund at www.joyinchildhoodfoundation.org/baskin-robbins-pint-sized-heroes.
Follow our heroes' journeys on Facebook (www.facebook.com/BaskinRobbins), Twitter (www.twitter.com/BaskinRobbins) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/BaskinRobbins).