Words by Smiley Team
Allan Baltz and his mullet are making a big impact.
The 11-year-old and his sister were placed in foster care for a year and a half before being adopted by a family from the state of Arkansas in 2015.
Lesli Baltz, the children's mother, told KATV that they have "the biggest hearts" and have never forgotten what it was like to be fostered. It was what inspired Allan to give back when he came into a few thousand dollars from a mullet competition.
[Also read: Help fulfill dreams for children less fortunate]
At the beginning of the Covid outbreak, the family enjoyed experimenting with bizarre haircuts, with Allan adopting the mullet.
They discovered about the USA Mullet Championship from a friend, and Lesli stated that as Allan learned there was a $2,500 prize,
"He immediately responded, 'Oh, I can accomplish that and donate the money to foster children.' He occasionally stated that his goal was to see foster care go out of business," says Lesli.
[Also read: Help fulfill dreams for children less fortunate]
Of course, his determination paid off and he won the competition. When he received the prize money, he knew exactly what he wanted to do with it.
Two local foster care groups, Together We Foster and Project Zero, received a portion of his winnings but his effect went far beyond the $2,500 donation. Others were moved by his generosity, and he was able to raise an additional $4,500 for the two charities as a result.
"People started helping... and donating clothing, mattresses, and diapers," Lesli says.
"Allan's tale inspired a few people we know to start fostering. It's amazing how many individuals are moved to action after hearing about the foster care problem.
"We're simply taking it all in and hoping that it inspires even more people to do good deeds in the world."
DONATE: You too can donate to Together We Foster and Project Zero to help support foster children in the US.
GET INVOLVED: Support 'Together We Rise', a non-profit that makes the foster care experience better for the 430,000 children going through it.
