Ames woman continues to raise money for a sweet cause

AMES, Iowa — Grace McCunn is as sweet as lemonade but has had her own share of sour experiences.

“I was in and out of the hospital as a kid,” McCunn said. ” I was diagnosed with daily chronic migraines, which would affect me days at a time.”

Her sister would share the same condition and experiences as well.

Ten-year-old Grace decided to give back to Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines, where she spent some time as a child. One cup of lemonade at a time.

“After that, I decided to give back to the community,” the Ames native said. “Making a lemonade stand, which then kind of turned into a 5k.”

Eight years later, it has become an annual tradition at Ada Hayden Park in Ames. Over that period, she has raised more than $170,000.

This year part of the proceeds will go to the Pediatrics Intensive Care Unit at Blank Children’s and the Ronald McDonald House.

Over the weekend more than 100 people participated in the Amazing Grace Lemonade race.

People from all walks of life participated, including Grace’s middle school teacher, Lauren Booten, who participated for the first time this year. She knew of Grace’s dedication years ago.

“She did a coin drive at the middle school all three years she was there,” Booten said. “I helped her out her eighth-grade year. We would count coins every day after school. I knew of Grace and what she did and everything she stood for and raising money for the Blank Children’s Hospital. So that was really great.”

Blank Children’s Hospital senior development director Janet Fisher says Grace’s fundraising efforts is truly made a difference.

“She has set the bar high for our future philanthropists that are in our Youth Shining Star program,” Fisher said. “Blank Children’s Hospital has a Youth Shinning Star program for any student or youth interested in raising money to support the Blank Children’s Hospital. It’s all about kids helping kids.”

Grace hopes more people continue to show up for her mission to give back.

“I’m really proud of her,” McCunn’s former teacher, Lauren Booten said. “It’s really cool to be a part of it; when people talk about her race or all the things she’s done. I’m like ‘I was her eighth grade math teacher.’ It’s really cool to say and just to be a part of her journey.”

“Watching people come out from all over Iowa and all over Ames is something I really never been so proud of,” McCunn said. “It shows a lot of people still care for not only the hospital but also the kids and families affected.”

This weekend, McCunn raised $30,000. You can still make a donation by Venmo @Grace-McCunn.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.