LIANA WELLER charity Ace and TJ’s Grin Kids
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sk just about anyone in the Lake Norman community— and many others within our region—and they know what Ace and TJ’s Grin Kids is. They’re familiar with the local radio personalities and their annual trip to Disney World with terminally ill and chronically handicapped children and, of course, those heartfelt grins on the faces of the children, the families, and the volunteers who get to participate in this incredible, once-in-alifetime experience. But what they may not know is that the nonprofit, Grin Kids, is just that: a separate 501 (c)(3) charity started by two guys who happen to have a successful radio show. And that nonprofit is run by Executive Director Liana Weller right here in Mooresville. “I got a phone call out of the blue from TJ,” Liana says. “I’d been involved in several community fundraising events, but at the time, I was trying to figure out what my next personal career move would be. I’d been involved with Big Brothers, Big Sisters for years, both in Houston and Pittsburgh, that were very meaningful to me. My Little Sister in Pittsburgh is now in her 20s, and I still keep in touch with her. So, I knew I wanted to work with children.” At the time, Liana did not know TJ personally and was surprised her name had even come up from multiple sources when Ace and TJ were looking for someone to run their nonprofit. “What a gift I have,” she says, “to be able to get up every day and be part of making the day for these families.” Making someone else’s day is important to Liana, along with her husband, Todd, and their 13-year-old twins, Mallory and Aiden. While the annual Disney World trip, which celebrated number 17 this year, lasts five days, it takes the rest of the year to make it possible. To make it “magical”—a goal, written right into the nonprofit’s mission statement. The trip is funded solely by individual and corporate donations and fundraiser events, such as this month’s Breakfast with Santa and a golf tournament, held each June. And while one may think that parts of the trip are comped by the larger corporations, they are not. Grin Kids pays for everything, including the hotel, transportation (yes, airline fees!), and meals for these families. Anyone who’s traveled can empathize with the challenges of preparing for a flight—but try organizing such logistics for 37 families (this year)!
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Overall, Grin Kids has shared enchanted, dream vacations with more than 400 children and their families. Liana, who joined in 2013, couldn’t imagine doing anything else. And that’s a good thing. As one of the group’s founders, Ace says, “It’s overwhelming the way Liana has taken our vision of Grin Kids—and its growth—and not only made it a reality but found innovative ways to push it even further into the future.” TJ agrees: “Not only was Liana the perfect person to help take Grin Kids to new heights, she’s very sweet and a joy to work with every day. Her love for these special families is evident.” | DECEMBER 2016
By: Amy Hallman