He’s 10 and Changing the World

Click on the image to watch the video story.

12 December 2025 – BREWSTER, MA – This year’s award for Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year took an unusual turn when the Philanthropy Partners of the Cape and Islands selected 10-year-old Adrian Oomer as its 2025 embodiment of giving.

What is the Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year?

The Philanthropy Partners of the Cape and Islands (PPCI) brings Philanthropy Day to the Cape each November. The features education and celebration for nonprofit professionals. During one of the day’s highlights, the PPCI announces the Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year.

Typically this is someone who has taken a lead in charitable work and been active in giving. This year’s awardee broke the mold: He’s 10 years old, an elementary student in Brewster and the organization says he represents what lies at the heart of philanthropy.

“The Outstanding Philanthropist award his year,  it really brought things back to the beginning, where philosophy is about noticing a need and really feeling it in your bones, and choosing to take care of each other,” said Sara Anton, co-chair of Philanthropy Day.

What did Adrian Oomer do?

In second grade, Adrian’s class saw a presentation about homelessness. He was so moved, he wanted to act. He went home and asked his parents how he could give his birthday and Christmas money to help.

“I didn’t want people to be without homes. I think everyone should have a home …” he said.

What did his family do?

His family supported and encouraged him. They research organizations and together identified the Homeless Prevention Council. But giving his birthday and Christmas funds was just the start. He wanted to do more … and his mom and dad helped him think though what that could mean.

The whole family, including the two children, cook. Adrian thought about what he was good at and decided he should make and sell food – and donate the profits to helping fight homelessness.

“We started talking about how he could make money to give away and do good along the way.  And what kind of talents and interested that he had that he could start a small business,” said his mother Melissa Oomer.

“That was the fall of second grade and at the end of second grade over the summer is when we launched.“

What is Loco Dos?

What launched was Loco Dos. Adrian – with support from Mom, Dad, and younger sister Amira – produces and sells food. He says his bestseller is a granola mix. He also sells morning protein balls and seasonal specials.

He sells on the locodos.org website, and Mom and Dad help coordinate the process, although he grows older his parents say he takes on more and more of work himself.

Why does this embody philanthropy?

“Adrian plays a big role as a catalyst. People can rally behind someone like Adrian who wants to take a stand and speak out speak up and use his talents for good ,” said his dad Imran Oomer.

“It’s created a snowball effect among others in the community … learning about homelessness prevention and wanting to contribute. So every time someone buys another container of granola they’re contributing to housing stability on the Cape.”

“It shows us that anyone can be philanthropic,” added Anton. “Philanthropy isn’t tied to age or status. It truly symbolizes how we move about through the world.”

For more information:

PPCI website – https://capecodgiving.org

LocoDos – https://www.locodos.org/

Like this story? Subscribe to get more like it in your inbox!