Her grandmother's gifted copy of “A Long Walk to Water” inspired Grace, age 11. Learning that people have to go to so much trouble just to get water sparked something in her. She needed to help.

At first, she wanted to help but didn’t know what to do. Her goal was to raise $5,000 to support a new well. Phil, a family friend, heard Grace was working on a project. A large scarlet sage plant in his garden had recently sprouted baby plants, so he and Grace unearthed and rehomed them in paper pots, Phil suggested Grace sell them for a few dollars each. She went home that day with a bunch of plants and the start of a fundraising plan.

There was still work to be done. Grace and her dad Peter worked on a flyer to accompany the plants. One side of the flyer highlighted the scarlet sage, which Grace previously knew nothing about. But with a little research and family support, Grace listed plant information and care instructions for potential plant owners. The other side of the flyer highlighted WFSS and how donations would help provide clean water. She prepared and practiced. Even though she was nervous, she was ready to fundraise.

Grace then took her plant sales to the street. New to the neighborhood, her family didn’t know many people. The plant sale fundraiser became a unique way to meet the neighbors. She took a solo trip through her neighborhood with the plants, knocking on doors and handing people the flyer she created. Grace shared what she was doing and asked if they’d like to buy a plant, offering that they could give any amount. She quickly learned this often spurred gifts larger than a few dollars.

That first trip garnered $115 and instilled in Grace the confidence to keep at it.

“I was very nervous because I was asking random people for money. Afterward, I felt proud because I did it. When I started, I felt like I couldn’t do it. If you have an idea but are very nervous like me, remind yourself why you’re doing it. When you’re done, congratulate yourself before you move on to the next step,” she shared.

Grace continued and made more trips through the neighborhood. When friends and family visited, she boldly walked up to them to talk about her fundraiser for WFSS and ask for donations. To date, Grace has raised $1,100 to support clean water projects in South Sudan and has inspired her school to create their own fundraiser for WFSS.

“I’m really proud of her for overcoming the fear of talking to strangers. I loved watching Grace’s emotional reaction to the book and her desire to help others. It was inspiring to watch her set a goal and see it through,” Peter shared about Grace’s process.

Like Grace’s unique plant sale fundraiser, her dreams for the future are just as unique. She wants to be a food scientist (inventor of ice cream flavors and taste tester), toy designer, or movie costume designer.

Grace loves to do tricks on her aerial silk hanging from a tree in her backyard in her free time. She loves reading, and her favorite part of school is lunch.

We are incredibly inspired by Grace’s ability to face her fears and hope she inspires others to go in the direction their hearts pull them. A huge thank you to her family and community for supporting WFSS.

Donate in honor of Grace: www.waterforsouthsudan.org/donate

Amazing Kids: Grace

Amazing Kids: Wyatt

Amazing Kids: Justin