Creative clothing raises money for local causes
It’s often kids who have the biggest hearts. Eight-year-old Bella Pahl is a student at Tatanka Elementary who enjoys crafting and swimming. Bella’s creative spirit and compassionate heart are the driving force behind Bella Sparkle Bright Creations, where she custom designs handmade shirts and donates the proceeds to charitable causes.
In 2024, Bella sold $950 worth of shirts in a fundraising effort for Splash for Andrew, a Buffalo-based non-profit organization dedicated to building a community splash pad in honor of Andrew Haggenmiller, who died of a brain tumor in 2018, just before his 5th birthday.
To honor Andrew’s memory, and his love for puddle jumping, the idea for a splash pad was launched. Originally slated to be built at West Pulsaki Park, funded in part through a DNR grant, the project was required to be relocated after an archaeological study uncovered native American artifacts and the soil was deemed unsuited for construction. Fortunately, the splash pad found a new home at the site of the future community center in Buffalo (former PenRad building), with construction estimated to be completed in 2027.
Clothing for a Cause
Bella’s mother, Shelby Pahl, began making shirts for her daughter’s swim team (Sea Devils), and it wasn’t long before Bella asked if she could design and make her own, ultimately leading to the growth of Bella Sparkle Bright Creations.
“Bella really got into making shirts because she wanted to give back to the community, and she loves making shirts. She started her project to give back in 2024 and is going strong. She is busy with being a full-time swimmer on the Sea Devils swim club, so between practices and meets, we had to focus on only one charitable cause each year. Last year, she raised $950 dollars.”
Bella designs her t-shirts on a computer and uses a heat press to bring her creations to life. She has designed 15-20 shirts and enjoys focusing on projects that involve kids, sharing that she likes, “making shirts to help people smile when they are sad, and to show others it’s kind to give back.”
Be Kind Blossom Bright for Loycanos
This year, Bella is focusing on another heart-felt and caring cause, donating the proceeds of her t-shirt sales to the Loycano family of Maple Plain.
On February 26, tragedy struck the community of Maple Plain when a pickup truck failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of County Roads 6 and 110 in Independence. Eleven-year-old Lily Loycano and her family were en route to school when their SUV was struck by the pickup. Lily suffered critical injuries and was transported to Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis where she passed away two days later, leaving a community in mourning and a family forever changed. In the wake of their loss, the Loycano family made the selfless decision to donate Lily’s organs, providing life-saving transplants to five children, including a young girl who received Lily’s heart.
Bella’s mother, Shelby, shared that she had gone to school with Lily’s mother, Emmy, and that the two families were close friends. “Bella felt so sad when she heard that [Emmy] lost her daughter and asked to make them a shirt.”
In a benevolent effort, Bella began creating t-shirts to raise money in support of the Loycano family during this trying time, with Shelby stating, “Bella will be donating 100% of the profits to support the family’s medical and funeral expenses. Any funds raised beyond covering the family’s medical expenses and funeral costs will go toward helping them rebuild their lives, as they navigate this unimaginable loss. These funds will also provide crucial support in raising their three remaining children, ensuring they have the care and stability they need during this difficult time.”
With a big heart and a message of kindness and caring for others, Bella Pahl’s creativity shines bright, with her generous spirit visible for all to see. To learn more, visit Bella’s Facebook Page: Bella Sparkle Bright Creations.
