Jul 31, 2008 1:49 pm US/Eastern
An Angel Named Grace
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
Grace Emery is a vibrant little girl. She's outspoken, and a real leader among her peers. It's not surprising when one day she asked her parents how she could give back to her community.
Grace described to Neighbors4Neighbors producer Nicole Maristany Krauss how her desire to help others took shape. "Well, I wanted to help people, so my dad said that we could go online."
As a family, the Emery's looked into some local non-profit groups, and Best Buddies caught their eyes. Grace decided to go door to door in her neighborhood and around the classrooms at school to see if she could inspire people to donate to the organization.
"Well, she was ready. She was just ready to go," said Grace's mother, Ann.
Grace explained what it was like, " I practiced what I was going to say and then went out there. I didn't care how much it was... 25-cents, $100, whatever money they had it's fine with me."
Her goal was to raise $200, but she beat that, bringing in $222 in donations.
While Grace was reaching her goal, the story of her efforts reached Best Buddies founder, Anthony Kennedy Shriver.
"You know it's just another testament that no matter how old you are, no matter how young you are, you can give back and serve. And the fact that she's raised that much money for a kid that age, you know, it's probably like $10-million for us. So it's quite a challenge," said Shriver.
Best Buddies was founded right here in Miami in 1989, helping those with special needs. They now have chapters in middle schools, high schools, and colleges around the world.
And Shriver is encouraged that at such a young age, Grace, is showing us how easy it can be to give back, "I hope she continues on and I think that kind of energy and determination certainly will be a great asset to Best Buddies or any other organization".
It looks like Grace plans on doing just that. "Maybe I can help another program and do some more stuff for other people" said Grace.
If you're looking for a way to give back like Grace did, contact Neighbors 4 Neighbors at 305-597-4404.
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