13 OUTSTANDING YOUTH PHILANTHROPIST Grace Koncikowski This award is presented to an individual who is 18 years old or younger who demonstrates exceptional skill in coordinating a fundraising project, and/or motivating groups of volunteers (of any age) to assist. He or she must show a passion for the cause and a sincere effort to achieving fundraising success. Grace has diligently worked to fundraise to provide support to the Mercy Hospital of Buffalo NICU for the past decade. A graduate of Mercy’s NICU herself, Grace started fundraising when she was just 6 years old. She has raised money for essential equipment such as birthing beds, blanket warmers, infant scales, etc. Starting with a lemonade stand in her driveway as an elementary school student, Grace has expanded her efforts to include online donations through GoFundMe. She spreads awareness of the foundation through social media platforms as well as wordof-mouth. When Grace was very young, she even attended the Mercy Hospital gala and spoke directly to a crowd of 300+ attendees. She challenged them to join her in supporting the hospital strongly stating, “If I can do it, so can you!” Grace’s father, Mark, passed in 2014 at the age of 36. He left behind his two beautiful daughters, the oldest being Grace. Grace has honored her Dad with a campaign to support Mercy Hospital Foundation, designated to the NICU, each year since. She has created a social media platform that involves a call to give, photos of her and her dad and a special message about the meaning behind her passion. Grace began with just a $75 gift in 2011, which she proudly brought to Mercy Hospital and presented to the staff of the NICU. Each year she sets her goals higher, and crushes them. This year, she set her goal at $2,000 and exceeded it. To date, Grace has donated $5,500 to the Mercy NICU thanks to her compelling messages and, of course, delicious lemonade.
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