LIVONIA, Mich. – Students from across Metro Detroit gathered this weekend to share their stories and support a meaningful cause.
The event aimed to inspire attendees and make a tangible impact in the community.
Key2Finesse, a student-run nonprofit, has been creating leaders for tomorrow for 10 years.
The organization recently held its annual Speak The Difference 11.0 public speaking competition.
“This year we have over 350 students attending our public speaking competition,” said Key2Finesse president Mantra Kaushal. ”Students range from age 7 all the way to 18. At the end of our event, we will also be revealing our final donation amount, which will go directly to our chosen charity of the year. Kids On The Go.”
Shivani Salwi, also a Key2Finesse president, emphasized the event’s deeper purpose.
“It’s not just a number that we’re announcing,” she said. “It’s real people coming together to use their voice to really serve our communities and make that impact in the world and help children with special needs create their programs,”
Kaushal reflected on the significance of the event, saying, “Watching our next generation leading a movement towards assisting nonprofits around our local community, it’s really heartwarming.”
This year, Key2Finesse is donating over $175,000 to Kids On The Go, an organization that provides free therapies, camps, and enrichment programs for children and teens with special needs.
Founded in 2016 by students Esha Ghosalkar and Chintan Maheshwari, Key2Finesse has grown into a thriving nonprofit with more than 60 board members and volunteers.
Over the past decade, it has raised more than $760,000 for various charities, including Variety Children’s Charities, Gleaners, Easterseals, and others.
The Speak The Difference 11.0 event took place at the Vistatech Center in Livonia, featuring competitions in prepared and impromptu speeches, art, poetry, essay writing, and photography for students in grades 1-12.
Dhanya Chugh and Aashi Patel, Outreach Co-Leads at Key2Finesse, said, “Our 10-year anniversary represents a milestone for empowering the next generation of changemakers to turn their passions into impact. We are so incredibly honored to be supporting Kids On The Go, a charity that cares so endlessly; it truly is the best gift in our 10th year.”
This year’s partnership included Key2Finesse high school board members creating weekly lesson plans to teach leadership and public speaking to Kids On The Go teens with special needs during summer social skills groups.
Katie Shubnell, manager of development and mission engagement at Kids On The Go, praised the partnership, saying the generosity from Key2Finesse has been transformative for the organization.
“It is an honor to have been selected by this inspiring organization and benefit from their talent and generosity. Their voices have promoted our mission and raised awareness of the challenges that families who have children with special needs face.”