UK Student Who Founded 'Cupcakes for Camp' Honored With Philanthropy Award

Jessica Waters, the University of Kentucky sophomore known for her life of service after an epilepsy diagnosis, has been honored again for her philanthropic work.

She was recently awarded the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Dayton Region Chapter. The award recognizes service by an individual or group of young people who demonstrate outstanding commitment to the community through direct financial support, development of charitable programs, volunteering and leadership in philanthropy.

Waters, a UK College of Communication and Information sophomore studying integrated strategic communication, founded Cupcakes for Camp in 2010 and began organizing the sale of cupcakes and other baked goods in her community of Beavercreek, Ohio. Her goal was to pay the fees for children wanting to attend camps designed specifically for adolescents with epilepsy, just as she did. 

Since then, Waters has raised well over $15,000, allowing numerous children with epilepsy to attend summer camps.

In June, she was awarded the Stars of Service Award by the Corporation for National and Community Service and the President’s Volunteer Service Award Gold Medal, which included a congratulatory letter from President Barack Obama, at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Read more about Waters and her service: UK Student's Diagnosis Leads to Life of Service, Presidential Recognition.

UK is the University for Kentucky. At UK, we are educating more students, treating more patients with complex illnesses and conducting more research and service than at any time in our 150-year history. To read more about the UK story and how you can support continued investment in your university and the Commonwealth, go to: uky.edu/uk4ky. #uk4ky #seeblue