Introducing our Spring 2025 Grant Winners!
Because of your unwavering support, Hunter’s Fund has awarded four grants to bright, innovative young minds. Those grant winners are:
Aidan Turner – Grater Things Threads
Aidan Turner, a university student and Hunter’s Fund grant winner, has been passionate about design since middle school. His company, Grater Things Threads, started humbly—just simple designs embroidered on blank garments in a basement. Over time, it has grown into a premium apparel brand that creates high-quality, custom pieces built to last.
Grater Things Threads focuses on producing high-quality, custom-designed garments that help groups raise funds while providing unique, well-crafted apparel.
Aidan sees his business as a way to uplift others through creativity, ensuring that each piece is more than just another t-shirt or hoodie—it’s something people are proud to wear. Sustainability for Aidan’s business isn’t just about materials, but about creating clothing people will keep and wear for years.
“Grater Things Threads is the perfect outlet for me to use my creativity to help others in the world,” Aidan says.
Now, with a boost from Hunter’s Fund and donors like you, Aidan is taking his vision further—continuing to create meaningful apparel while staying true to his belief that there’s nothing cheesy about using high quality apparel to bring people together.
Celes Buffard – Return to Reality Podcast
Entrepreneurship is often portrayed as a straight path to success, but Celes Buffard knows the reality is far more complex. As the host and founder of the Return to Reality Podcast, she is redefining the conversation around what it truly means to build a business.
Celes created the podcast to be a source of practical inspiration for both current and aspiring entrepreneurs. By sharing unfiltered stories of success, setbacks, and perseverance, she hopes to encourage those who feel overwhelmed or unsure of their journey.
“I wanted to bring something real to the conversation around entrepreneurship,” she says.
Return to Reality is more than just advice—it’s about building a community for entrepreneurs who may not have access to resources or support networks. Listeners will gain relatable insights and learn that it’s okay if their path doesn’t follow the traditional mold.
“Not everyone is going to be an overnight sensation, and that’s OK!” Celes emphasizes.
Through honest conversations, the podcast fosters a balanced understanding of what it takes to start and grow a business. “There’s beauty in the hustle,” she says. Grant Winner Celes is helping entrepreneurs embrace the ups and downs of their journey—and thrive on their own terms—because of your kindness and commitment.
Gabe Schultz – myEMSpath: Paving the Way for Future First Responders
Hunter’s Fund grant winner Gabe Schultz knows firsthand that becoming a first responder isn’t always straightforward. As an EMT and reserve firefighter in the Marine Corps, he has experienced the challenges of breaking into the field.
Now, through his startup myEMSpath, he is working to make the process easier and more accessible for others. “It’s hard and confusing to get a job in this field,” Gabe explains.
MyEMSpath is designed to help individuals navigate the complicated web of geographic-specific qualifications, certification requirements, and educational paths needed to enter the industry. By providing guidance and resources, the platform aims to reduce entry barriers, especially for those who need extra support.
Beyond helping new first responders get started, myEMSpath also seeks to address major issues in the industry, including worker burnout and the ongoing shortage of emergency personnel. By making the hiring process smoother, Gabe hopes to increase the number of first responders, improve work conditions, and reduce emergency vehicle crashes caused by fatigue.
“Our platform will provide people choosing to pursue a career in this field the resources they need to succeed,” Gabe says. Propelled by Hunter’s Fund and your generosity, he is creating a pathway to a stronger, more sustainable emergency response system.
Kyle Segura – Using Art to Inspire and Advocate
For Kyle Segura, art is more than just a creative outlet—it’s a way to foster understanding, promote inclusion, and build a solid future for himself and for others. As an artist and Hunter’s Fund grant winner, Kyle is using his talents to highlight the experiences, challenges, and strengths of the autism community.
Through his artwork, Kyle creates inclusive, relatable pieces that reflect the shared experiences of neurodivergent individuals. His goal is to help people better understand autism while also providing representation for those who may not often see themselves in mainstream art.
But Kyle’s vision goes beyond artistic expression. He is working to build an independent art business, allowing him to continue creating larger projects, including animations and murals. His journey as a neurodivergent entrepreneur serves as an inspiration for others, especially non-verbal autistic individuals who may dream of turning their creativity into a career.
By pushing forward with his work, Kyle is showing that talent and passion can overcome many barriers. He is proving that art has the power to connect, educate, and inspire, and Hunter’s Fund is proud to support him on his journey.
We couldn’t support young dreamers without you. THANK YOU! And congratulations to our Spring Grant Winners!