Miss West Virginia’s Teen is just one of Demi Breeden’s titles; add entrepreneur and philanthropist to this high schooler’s list of accomplishments. Demi learned at an early age the importance of volunteerism and the joy of having a servant’s heart. She had the perfect role model in her aunt, who was Miss West Virginia’s Teen in 2012 and Miss West Virginia in 2016.

A family crisis would give Demi her calling for her year of service as Miss West Virgina’s Teen 2024. The same aunt who introduced Demi to the Miss America Competition would need the care of the Ronald McDonald House when her unborn son required a complicated fetal surgery in a distant state. Her family of three, soon to be four, spent weeks at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in housing provided by the Ronald McDonald House Charities. For Demi and her family, the Ronald McDonald House was a source of light during a time of darkness.

Immediately, Demi set out to raise awareness and funds for the organization so dear to her heart. First, she organized snack drives and hosted craft nights. Next, she established her own business called “Demi-Sweet," with profits benefiting the RMHC. She partnered with Chef to Chef, Inc. and the Blessing Closet to garner more contributions and resources for RMHC. Now, with a statewide audience, Demi’s impact is broad-reaching and as simple as rounding up your bill when visiting McDonald’s. Last year, the national round-up campaign provided 2,100-night stays at Ronald McDonald Houses for families in need; twenty-five of those stays were remarkably due to Demi.

As part of #MissAmericaFit, Demi champions a very healthy lifestyle. She dances five days a week and finds physical exercise as stress relief. She and her family grow their own vegetable garden and appreciate the nutritional value of having fresh produce readily available for their dinner table. Demi is a firm believer in volunteerism, practicing self-care, and setting aside time to journal daily.

Donate today to Ronald McDonald House Charities, follow Demi’s journey on Facebook, and invite her to your school, community event, or fundraiser.