Ellie Grimm, a 17-year-old from Middletown, has been named a 2024 Patriots Difference Maker of the Week for her decade-long commitment to The Confetti Foundation. The New England Patriots Foundation recognized Grimm during a special pregame ceremony at Gillette Stadium on Jan. 5.
The Confetti Foundation, which provides birthday parties for hospitalized children, will receive a $10,000 grant from the Kraft family, the New England Patriots Foundation, and Gillette as part of Grimm’s recognition.
Grimm has volunteered with The Confetti Foundation since its inception when she was just 7 years old. Over the past 10 years, she has contributed to celebrating 20,000 birthdays for children in hospitals, oncology clinics, and hospice facilities.
“I am incredibly grateful to the Patriots Foundation, the Kraft family and Gillette for honoring me with the Patriots Difference Maker of the Week Award and for my ability to bring awareness to The Confetti Foundation through it,” Grimm said.
Her volunteer efforts include making birthday cards, suggesting party themes, packing and shipping boxes, hosting party supply drives, and encouraging her peers to volunteer. Grimm has also set up parties in hospitals, ensuring hospitalized children receive proper birthday celebrations.
Robert Kraft, Chairman and CEO of the New England Patriots, emphasized the importance of volunteerism in the region. “Celebrating the dedication of volunteers across New England reminds us of the unique spirit and resilience that define this region,” Kraft said. “Giving back to our communities is a core value for our family, and it’s inspiring to see so many individuals here stepping up to make a difference.”
The recognition is part of the Patriots’ Celebrate Volunteerism initiative, which aims to highlight dedicated volunteers, raise awareness about volunteering needs, and inspire New Englanders to become lifelong volunteers.
Grimm’s commitment to volunteering has shaped her career aspirations. After volunteering at events with professional sports teams, she has decided to pursue a career working for a team’s foundation.
“Each small act I undertake, whether setting up a birthday party in a child’s hospital room or making cards, reaffirms my belief that kindness can profoundly impact others, no matter how small. I am proud to represent the Confetti Foundation through this great honor the Patriots presented to me. I look forward to continuing to spread joy and make birthdays a bit brighter for children who need it most,” Grimm said.
The 2024 Patriots Difference Makers of the Week range in age from 17 to 88 and support various causes across New England, including disability support, healthcare, education, and youth mentoring. Collectively, these volunteers have dedicated more than 250 years to their communities.
Kara Buckley, Vice President of Communications and Community Affairs at P&G Gillette, praised the impact of the Difference Makers. “It is truly inspiring to see the profound impact these 17 individuals have made through their dedication and service,” Buckley said. “Their unwavering commitment to helping others not only strengthens our community but also serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all.”
During the Jan. 5 ceremony, the Kraft family announced that each of the Patriots Difference Makers would receive a $10,000 grant for their chosen nonprofit organizations. Additionally, they presented a $25,000 grant to Perkins School for the Blind on behalf of Jane Long, named the 2024 Patriots Difference Maker of the Year.
The Celebrate Volunteerism initiative, while highlighted during the football season, reflects a year-round commitment to community service by the Kraft family and the Patriots organization.
For more information about the Celebrate Volunteerism initiative and the 2024 Patriots Difference Makers of the Week, interested individuals can visit www.patriots.com/community/pdm.
