Joylynn Huynh-Ngo’s children haven’t quite made it out of elementary school, but they know a thing or two about whipping up batches of boba tea, cookies, and lemonade, and sharing their creations with and for the community.
Joylynn currently serves as president of the Carrollton Early Childhood PTA (CECPTA), and she and her family recently helped facilitate their third annual “Kidsgiving Day” event to raise funds for nonprofits participating in CFT’s NTX Giving Day. This year, in partnership with 26 families and their 52 “kidpreneurs,” nearly $8,000 was raised in support of three local organizations: CECPTA, the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD Educational Foundation, and Metrocrest Services. Through their volunteer fundraising efforts for CECPTA, they’ve helped build the first handicap accessible playground in Carrollton at Rosemeade Park, helped preschools redo their learning spaces, furnish their classrooms, and more.
For Joylynn, the life-changing value of community, generosity, and connectedness runs deep. In her own family’s experience, these anchors have made the difference between enduring crisis and having a safe place to call home. After being displaced following Hurricane Katrina, Joylynn eventually found a new home in Dallas with the help of nonprofits who offered critical assistance along the way. Once resettled, Joylynn immediately began to volunteer with a number of nonprofits, giving back through her time and talents, especially in support of immigrants and refugees.
Eight years ago, as a new resident of Carrollton, Joylynn attended a playdate for her son that turned out to be a community event in celebration of NTX Giving Day. Blown away by the number of organizations represented and the incredible work that she witnessed happening in support of North Texas, Joylynn knew that she and her family had to become part of the community celebration.
“Kidsgiving Day” began three years ago as a lemonade stand in their neighborhood with a handful of kids and families. The first year, the Ngos raised $260 for NTX Giving Day. It has since grown into something much bigger that her children look forward to with anticipation—this year’s efforts included a “world-of-foods-themed petite farmer’s market” at Castle Hills Village Shops, dedicated to teaching kids about entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and giving back to the community.
In 2022, the Ngos and the participating families brought new flavors to the family-friendly fundraising event with their World of Foods theme, featuring Japanese onigiri, Mexican fruit cups, Indian curry masala, Vietnamese fruit tea, fresh flowers, produce, and more. Other past themes include a superhero theme and a Texas State Fair inspired theme.
Joylynn is intentional about teaching her children to give back. She says that one way for parents to get started is to have conversations around the dinner table and by modeling kindness and supporting the needs of others. The Ngo family has found that volunteering with their children for different causes has created conversations that teach empathy, kindness, and gratitude.
“We try to reiterate to our kids that no matter how much you have, or how little you have, a community gets stronger when you pitch in; and if you start with yourself, it will inspire other people. We are especially grateful to CFT for creating a community platform for each of us to not only give through, but to have a means to teach and involve our children in our giving.”
– JOYLYNN HUYNH-NGO
Creator of NTX Giving Day “Kidsgiving Day”
This story was originally featured in our 2022 annual report. For additional details and content, click here.
