Each summer thousands of college students head off for internships and seasonal jobs, taking a welcome break from their studies. For many it is about earning money, but for some it is a learning experience that has the potential to change their lives. Rider University student Ethan Dowie may be in the latter group, having decided to join the ranks of social entrepreneurs upon his return to campus—something he never anticipated doing when he headed off last summer.
Ethan founded Dowie Corp., a nonprofit that holds sporting events to raise money for children with cancer. He unknowingly began his journey to become a social entrepreneur upon arriving at Sunrise Day Camp located in Pearl River, N.Y.—a camp for young people with cancer or who have a sibling with cancer. In his support position there, Ethan interacted with the kids and became inspired.
“It is crazy to see kids who have been dealt such a bad hand be so readily happy and able to have fun,” Ethan said.
Approximately 200 children and teenagers attend the camp and engage in activities similar to those at any youth day camp. But for those who are not healthy enough to participate, there are other activities for them that most other camps do not provide. Upon seeing firsthand how their illness affects them physically and in their day-to-day lives, Ethan wanted to find a way to contribute.
“When you see how the children respond to their time at the camp, you are very inspired,” Ethan said. “I wanted to do something that would have a positive impact, and that is when I thought about running sporting events to raise funds.”
Fast forward seven months later, Dowie Corp. held its first event at the nearby Pearl River High School. It was a track meet for all ages that netted just over $1,200 for the camp—exceeding its goal. Sponsor money, registration fees and donations helped make the event a success. But Ethan felt he gained more from the event than just the funding.
“For the first event we wanted to get our name out and were very happy about the amount we donated,” Ethan said. “We want to slowly grow and reach a point when we can donate at least $5,000 per event.”
The winners were given medals. In the future there will be greater awards because Ethan wants to run competitive events that he feels will bring in greater participation.
“It is the competitive aspect of our events that is different from other fundraising events,” said Ethan. “We encourage winning because for someone like me who is an athlete it is important. We want participants to make their best effort which gives the event a different atmosphere.”
With one under his belt, Ethan has already begun planning his next event, an indoor dodge ball tournament for this winter. He will apply what he learned from the first event and therefore has higher expectations.
He credits his progress to his professors and advisors at Rider University who helped him develop a plan to execute his idea. Entrepreneurial Studies Center Director and Professor Dr. Ronald Cook, Associate Professor Dr. Lee Zane, and Entrepreneurs-in-Residence Lisa Teach and Dave Molnarcoached him. Once he identified specific steps to take with their guidance–he was on his way.
“It made so many things much easier. They definitely did not hold my hand, but they gave me enough information to be successful and are still there for me when I have questions,” Ethan said.
Now he is a social entrepreneur. He has moved from the inspirational “ah-ha” moment to the challenge of putting the pieces in place to make it a sustainable enterprise.
“The hardest part was taking the first step forward. If I dwelled on it too long, it would never have happened because I would have overthought it.” Ethan said. “I think it is very important to take that first step for whatever you want to do–and that is the first step to becoming successful.”
With the planning of the next event underway, he is feeling a little bit more pressure.
“I have to go to classes and keep up my other commitments,” Ethan said. “You realize you have to make sacrifices in order to decide what you will give to the business.”
He also anticipates that to grow his startup he will have to overcome challenges.
“It is not very fun being a one-man show. That is why you need to build the right support in order to be really successful. Hiring someone in the future is a top goal that will allow me to wear fewer hats,” Ethan said.
While those next steps have not yet crystalized, there is one thing Ethan is very clear about after his summer experience.
“I learned a lot from it. But the most important thing was that no matter what you are dealing with, try to be happy and to be impactful in people’s lives in a good way.”
