Why BLING Exists
BLING Foundation was built on one simple belief:
Every child deserves to feel valued, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive.
What began as a community-driven fundraising effort soon revealed a much greater need. Families weren't simply looking for one-time support—they needed lasting hope and meaningful access to care.
That realization inspired BLING to become an independent nonprofit focused on removing barriers to children's mental health care through trusted community partnerships.
Today, every program, every partnership, and every gift helps move that mission forward.
Helping Every Child Shine.
"No child should have to wait for hope because of financial barriers."
Helping Every Child Shine
BLING Foundation exists to help children access the mental health care they need by removing financial barriers and working alongside families, licensed providers, and community partners.
Through the BLING Children's Mental Health Scholarship Program, we help fund licensed therapy so children can receive care when they need it most—not months later, and not only if a family can afford it.
Every child we help represents a stronger family, a healthier community, and a brighter future.
Hope begins when a child knows someone believes in them.
The BLING Children's Mental health Scholarship Program
Removing financial barriers. Restoring access to hope.
Every child deserves access to mental health care when they need it—not months later, and not only if a family can afford it.
The BLING Children's Mental Health Scholarship Program helps remove financial barriers by funding licensed outpatient therapy through trusted community partnerships.
What We're Building
🩵 Access
Helping children receive licensed mental health care.
🩵 Partnerships
Working alongside therapists, schools, and referral organizations.
🩵 Families
Supporting parents and caregivers throughout the process.
🩵 Growth
Building a sustainable model that can expand across Missouri and beyond.
Why This Matters
Mental health care can change the course of a child's life—but cost should never determine whether a child receives help.
Every child we help strengthens a family, a community, and the future.
Why We Continue
Every child deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive.
That belief continues to guide every decision we make.
Through the BLING Children's Mental Health Scholarship Program, we're helping children access licensed therapy when financial barriers stand in the way—because no child should have to wait for hope.
Every gift, every partnership, and every act of generosity helps open the door to care for another child.
Together, we're building something that will last far beyond a single event or a single year.
Whether you give, volunteer, partner, or simply share our mission, you're helping another child access the care they deserve.
Helping Every Child Shine.
Board of Directors
The BLING Foundation is guided by a dedicated board committed to serving children and families with integrity, compassion, and purpose.
Each member brings unique experience and perspective, helping ensure the organization remains focused, accountable, and aligned with its mission.
Together, the board provides leadership, oversight, and strategic direction as BLING continues to grow and expand its impact through the Children’s Mental Health Scholarship Program.
Leigh Phillips
Founder & Executive Director
Leigh founded BLING Foundation after years of leading the annual Bring in the BLING fundraising event, inspired by a simple belief:
Every child deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and shine.
Today, she leads the Foundation's mission to remove financial barriers to children's mental health care through trusted community partnerships.
As Mrs. Missouri 2026 with the Miss United Crown of America organization, Leigh continues using her platform to encourage service, compassion, and community impact.
Morgan Wigle
Treasurer
Morgan oversees the Foundation's financial stewardship, helping ensure every dollar entrusted to BLING supports children and families with accountability, transparency, and purpose.
Emily Hill
Secretary
Emily supports the Foundation's governance, communications, and organizational growth while helping advance BLING's mission of bringing hope and practical support to children and families.
Good Stewardship. Lasting Impact.
Every dollar entrusted to BLING Foundation is guided by one purpose:
Helping children access the mental health care they deserve.
We are committed to responsible stewardship, transparent governance, and thoughtful decision-making so every gift creates meaningful impact for children and families.
As BLING grows, our commitment remains the same:
Helping Every Child Shine.
"Helping Every Child Shine isn't just our promise to children.
It's our commitment to every family, every partner, and every donor who believes that hope should never depend on a family's financial circumstances."
BLING Foundation