Out of the Fold

Sometimes, addressing a significant need only requires your hands. Ace Wilburn ’25 wanted to help address the clean water crisis impacting many parts of the world. He did not have to look far to find an organization to support.

 

“I have been a longtime friend of Katherine Adams, who, along with her sister Isabelle, created Paper For Water,” Wilburn said. “They decided that the best way for them to help was to raise money for digging wells, and to do that, they began folding and selling origami.”

 

The non-profit Paper For Water fundraises by selling hand-crafted origami to local businesses, organizations, events and individuals. The creations can be as simple as a singular paper crane or more complex displays at spaces like Northpark Mall or the giant Christmas tree in the Winn Science Center this past December.

 

“I have learned the importance of making volunteer work fun, especially through the people you volunteer with,” William Braskamp ’28 said. “I have also learned our age does not inhibit your ability to make an impact. You just have to start, as starting is the most important part.”

 

Paper For Water also raises awareness of the world water crisis through educational programming and community engagement. The organization’s leadership programming empowers youth with philanthropy, public speaking, event planning and entrepreneurship skills. It improves their understanding, compassion, empathy and gives them a broader knowledge of the world around them.

 

“Paper for Water has sold hundreds of thousands of pieces of origami through various projects and outreaches and raised more than $3.5 million over the past decade,” Wilburn said.

 

The St. Mark’s junior has helped organize several folding events on campus, spreading the message of helping others in need.

 

“I realize that the best way I can help the cause is to inspire and inform the future generation in the hope that when they grow up and become members of society, they will have a baseline knowledge of the water crisis,” Wilburn said. “I hope to inspire my fellow Marksmen to help fight the water crisis in any way they can.”