What is the Gracie’s Gift Project?
The Gracie’s Gift Project was started by the Sonneborn Family, in memory of Grace Sonneborn. Born in March of 2003, Gracie was found to have the rare condition known as OsteoGenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bone
Syndrome). Though Gracie lived only for one bittersweet day, she brought our family incredible joy.

During the difficult time leading up to Gracie’s birth, tremendous kindness was extended to our family by friends, colleagues, and medical health professionals. This support took many forms, and often came from unexpected places. In a particularly touching gesture, nurses who attended Gracie’s birth gently wrapped her in a beautifully crocheted receiving blanket and bonnet that had been donated to the hospital. Today, that blanket is a tangible reminder of the darling baby girl who will live forever in our hearts.

In 2005, our family hoped to return some of the kindness extended to us by sharing a small gift with families in need. We invited a few friends to join us in honoring Gracie’s memory by donating baby blankets to families served by the maternal infant unit of Temple University Hospital. Word about our ‘project’ spread; on Gracie’s birthday, our family delivered 40 gift-wrapped blankets to Temple University Hospital. We were told by the nursing staff that these blankets would be the only gift that many of these infants would receive.

Why Temple University Hospital?
Temple University Hospital was chosen to be the recipient of the blankets because of the hospital’s mission to provide quality health care to underserved families. When asked if the gift of baby blankets had made an impact, Lorna Braunsar of the maternal infant unit replied:
“ … the maternity department at Temple University Hospital was truly touched by an angel. Holly Sonneborn, who had lost her child, wanted to do something special for others in memory of her child. Holly and her family members collected and brought beautifully packaged blankets and layettes to be given to the mothers here in our maternity department. As we distributed these packages, there was not a dry eye to be had. Many of our mothers were in need of these items. They were incredibly touched, and greatly appreciated this gesture of memory and love. Sometimes a simple thank you does not convey our true feelings, but we are very grateful and thankful that Holly came into our lives, and made a special impact forever.”

This Year’s Goal….
In its first year, the Gracie’s Gift Project donated 40 blankets to infants at Temple University Hospital. Last year, over 500 blankets were collected and distributed. Our goal for 2010 is to collect and donate 500 blankets, which will be delivered to the hospital’s maternal infant unit on March 6th – the sixth anniversary of Gracie’s birth.

To Donate a Blanket…
Blankets will be collected from February 1st to March 5th. To donate a blanket, or for more information about the Gracie’s Gift Project, please contact:
Holly and Scott Sonneborn
Tel. 215.331.4948 / 267.901.1403
Email: Hollymds@verizon.net

Lisa Sonneborn and Andrew Pickering
Tel. 215.284.4045
Email: pickering9@msn.com