Emily Rahhal ’17 was named ABC’S “Cool Kid” of the week for hosting a nonprofit fundraiser for the National Veterans Foundation on Nov. 7 to raise funds for veterans returning home from deployment.

Rahhal learned about the organization and was inspired to get involved after meeting her father’s friend Shad Meeshad, the founder and president of the National Veterans Foundation.

“From that point on, I was interested and fully invested in the cause,” Rahhal said. “Shad is an incredible man and he runs an unbelievable organization.”

Rahhal decided that since her birthday fell on Veteran’s Day this year, she would dedicate her birthday party to a fundraiser for the foundation and accept donations in lieu of birthday presents.

One of the most important ways to reach out is through raising donations, and this campaign raised over $10,000 through Gofundme.com and a silent auction, Rahhal said.

Rahhal was joined by her fellow Chamber Singers in performing the National Anthem for the U.S. war veterans in attendance.

“I was able to speak directly and very intimately with many U.S. war veterans,” Rahhal said. “Most importantly, the veterans who attended the event felt an incredible amount of support and gratitude for their service. A night such as the fundraiser allowed the veterans to see the effects of their sacrifices.”