Founder of Karlee’s Nail Painting for a Cause

Helping Families, One Manicure at a Time

“Be the change you want to see.”

When she was 7 years old this line from a TV commercial resonated with Karlee Albertson. Inspired to do something to help her community, she directed her efforts toward the upcoming holiday season.

“It was close to Christmastime, and I knew that there were people who couldn’t afford Christmas presents, so I wanted to help,” Karlee, now 11, says. 

Over the past five seasons, the sixth-grader has been raising money to adopt families in need for Christmas by using a unique and creative method: painting nails. Last year, she raised more than $3,600 at venues such as Portraits for a Cause, which benefits The Big J Show’s “Santa Clause for a Cause”. Her positive attitude and giving heart shine through, brushstroke by brushstroke. 

“Someday, I hope that everybody, everywhere, can have a present under the Christmas tree.”

5 Favorite Things

  1. Stranger Things - It is the best TV show ever.”
  2.  Family and friends - “They are very supportive.”
  3.  Harry Potter - “The books are very intriguing.”
  4.  Acting - “It brings out a different side of a person.” She has performed in James and the Giant Peach, Charlotte’s Web, and even wrote and directed Peter Pan with a friend at Sandstone Elementary. 
  5. Soccer - After playing for six years, she loves “all the adrenaline you get before a game.”