Her Story
She was built for adventure. The world, to Grace, was not a map but an invitation. Her graduation gift wasn’t just a trip; it was a pilgrimage across Europe with her two cousins and grandparents—train stations, cobblestone streets, late-night conversations, and the feeling that life was opening up in every direction. Before and after that, there were other journeys: Colorado’s mountains, New York’s city lights, Florida’s coasts, and the familiar, grounding pull of the family cabin in Wisconsin, where the trees and the lake stood like old friends waiting for her return.
Dance was her language. She danced for almost 15 years from the YMCA then to Dancin Feet after that she continued to Fancy Dancing where she danced for many years, a young girl on a bright stage, just doing recitals, learning steps, finding her rhythm. Over time, the recitals became competitions, and the quiet practice turned into sharp, confident movement. She wasn’t just learning routines—she was claiming space, telling stories without words. She loved helping younger dancers, kneeling beside them to walk through a move again and again. When it was her cousin, all the better; she could be the “boss” in the softest, most loving way, turning rehearsal into a shared adventure.
Grace’s sense of purpose ran deeper than her own journey. She showed up where help was needed: packing meals at Feed My Starving Children, sorting and serving at the local food bank, lending her time so that others could eat, rest, and feel seen. Her kindness traveled with her. In Greece, after a meal out during her graduation trip, she quietly handed her leftovers to a homeless family outside the restaurant—no speech, no spotlight, just a simple, clear act of humanity.
Strong-willed and steady, Grace was the friend you called when things fell apart and the family member you could count on without question. She stood up, spoke up, and showed up—for her people and for strangers alike.
On September 1, 2023, a day like any other Grace and her 3 friends took the pontoon out for a ride around the lake something she did often. Grace Rhine and Kyree Shaw did not make it back that afternoon. Yet there story did not end there. Through Gifts from Grace, her compassion lives on—turning loss into purpose, and love into action that protects and saves others.
In response, the nonprofit created in her name carries her spirit forward with a clear, urgent purpose: water safety. Its mission is to turn loss into action—teaching respect for the water, promoting awareness, education, and safer practices at lakes and waterfronts, so that other families might be spared the same heartbreak. In this work, Grace’s adventurous, selfless heart keeps moving: in every life protected, every lesson taught, every person who comes home safe. Her story doesn’t close; it keeps unfolding—across shorelines and into Graces passion projects that are more extra curricular based.
Our Story
We are a fully volunteer based non profit dedicated to enriching our commitments by promoting water safety and awareness along with Grace’s passion for projects.
Our current mission is to build and donate life jacket stands and support scholarships and create community events that honor Grace and promote water safety. It is our vision to bring water safety and Grace’s passion projects for the community.
Our fundraising events include duck races, and bingo nights. Along with private donors, each event helps us raise support for our mission.
100% of profits goes back to the community. We’re proud to have made a $5,000 donation to Jackson Township Search and Rescue Team and a $2000 donation to Fancy Dancing dance studio.
