Figurines To Funds: Merrick Girl Raises Thousands For Kids With Cancer

NORTH MERRICK, NY — At the intersection of artistic and altruism is 10-year-old Julianna Tand.

The fifth grader at Old Mill Road School in North Merrick has turned her clay figurines into a successful charitable endeavor.

For more than two years, she has chosen to donate money to the Long Island chapter of the Ronald McDonald House. To date, her efforts have raised more than $8,300. The organization assists families whose children have been diagnosed with cancer.

Tand's popularity soared after she made a mini sculpture of the famous Bernie Sanders meme in mittens at Joe Biden's inauguration.

"I raffled it off," she told Patch. "I raised $3,000."

That led to media exposure, even on a national level with NBC News.

Sanders is not the first celebrity who crossed paths with Tand. When Betty White died, Tand designed a "Golden Girls" sculpture, showcasing them "sitting on a couch," she said. That piece of pop culture raised $1,400.

The youngster, who started showing her artistic side at age 6, had no interest in keeping money for her creations. Her connection started with the Ronald McDonald House prior to COVID-19, when she took part in a kids' baking program.

"We saw how great the people were," Tand said. "I wanted to help them out."

Matthew Campo, Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro CEO, told Patch, "She has asked that we use the money in a meaningful way.

Due to the pandemic, Campo said they haven't been able to bring large groups to cook for families.

"She has been helping us with the dinner program, [finding] dinners for families so that when they come back from the hospital there's a home-cooked meal waiting for them," Campo said.

Tand is expanding her charitable art talents with a Paint Night Fundraiser on Nov. 4 at Sacred Heart Church in North Merrick. Those in attendance can get raffle tickets, plus Tand's grandmother Debbie Viola will teach how to paint sunflowers.

Campo said: "I'm never more inspired than when kids help kids. She's got such a heart for what it is that we're doing."

Her charitable instincts are "a model for what we would love to see other young people do for our organization," he said.

Tand has done numerous pieces, taking custom orders from many people. Last year, Tand branched out into making Christmas ornaments.

"She raises the most money when she just does something that she likes to do," Julianna's mother, Jennifer Tand, said. "[I'm] so proud."

She hopes to use these skills professionally once she's older, but for now, Tand is focused on giving back.

"I just love doing it because I know that I'm helping them," she said.