I love getting to see the smiles that come from helping people and making their day better. ”

Campbell Faulkner, Founder, Campbell’s Crew Cares

Campbell Faulkner hasn’t allowed his own health issues to stop him from helping the community. In fact, it inspired him to create the nonprofit Campbell’s Crew Cares.

Faulkner has mitochondrial disease, a disorder that occurs when the mitochondria are unable to completely burn food and oxygen to generate energy. Symptoms might include poor growth, developmental delays and muscle weakness. There's no cure, but symptoms can be managed with physical therapy and medications.

Campbell's Crew Cares was founded in October 2017, after Make a Wish helped the then 11-year-old Faulkner go to Wrigley Field in Chicago to go see his best friend Kyle play baseball. On the flight home, he asked to create a charity, so he could help people in need because of all the people who people had helped him. 

Today, Faulkner is chief inspirational officer of Campbell's Crew Cares. His charity works with businesses and individuals to collect donations to help children and families in need and provide them with clothing and food.

Name: Campbell Faulkner

Age: 16

Business Name: Campbell’s Crew Cares

Town/neighborhood: Queen Creek

When and why I moved here:  Was born and raised here.

What I like most about living here:  I love the community that comes together to help people that need it, as well as the wonderful businesses that are here and are willing to step in and help.

What I do: I’m a philanthropist that just wants to do good in the community and hopefully make a difference and make someone’s life a little bit easier and a little bit better!

Personal background highlights: Got my GED and finished high school early, getting the gold presidential service award.

Professional background highlights: Started my non-profit charity at the age of 11 and worked with Walmart and Southwest Airlines to help make a difference.

What I like most about what I do:  I love getting to see the smiles that come from helping people and making their day better. 

What does being nominated for this category mean to you?  It’s an honor to be nominated and I really appreciate everything the town of Queen Creek does for charities like mine.

What does it mean to be a Queen Creek resident? I think it means to be kind, competent and giving, which is what I strive for each and every day.

What do you think you bring to the local community that makes it better? Kindness and smiles.  In today’s time everything always has to be serious, and I like to take a step back from that and just make people happy.

What would you tell people about why it's important to make a difference in Queen Creek?  I think it is important to try and make a difference because we all want to see everyone in Queen Creek thrive but selfishly when you give it also makes you a happier person!

Changes I'd like to see in this area: I would like to see everyone working together as one to help and make the world a better place. 

Favorite community cause & why: My favorite community causes are helping feed and clothe the homeless.  I have always had the basics and I believe that everyone deserves to have those.