2024 Recipient: Marion Grimes

Marion Grimes has truly lived a life of mission, service and mercy, exemplifying these values in both her professional and private life. During her career, Marion has been a teacher and a clinical social worker. She then led fundraising efforts for the Sisters of Mercy, first for the Buffalo Community, and later for the expanded New York-Philippines-Pennsylvania West (NYPPAW) Community. During her 23 years with the Sisters of Mercy, Marion became very close with the sisters in the Philippines and traveled there several times.

Outside of work, Marion served on the boards for Mount St. Joseph Academy, St. Mary’s School for the Deaf, Mount Mercy Academy and Mercy Action. She also did work with the Catholic Health System Consultation Committee for Clinical Pastoral Education. She has been a Mercy Associate since 1983.

And then there’s Marion’s dedication to the people of Haiti.

Marion was brought into the Mercy Focus on Haiti family by Sister Mary

Sullivan to help with the nascent fundraising operation. Sister Mary promised it would be “just for one year.” Ten years later, Marion continues to work to empower the people of Haiti.

When MFOH first explored a partnership with Fonkoze to sponsor Chemen Lavi Miyò, the most urgent need was to raise funds to finance two consecutive cohorts totaling about $750,000. With her skill, determination and passion, Marion made that happen. Now in 2024, the fourth cohort is underway, and funds for the fifth are in hand. Marion’s dedicated work is helping to lift women and their families from extreme poverty and toward self-sufficiency.

Marion has also been strongly committed to helping build the professionalism of MFOH itself; she has successfully raised crucial funds for the programs and mentored newer members, encouraging them to keep learning and improving. In her decade with MFOH, she has built a committed donor base; the relationships she has cultivated will provide financial support for MFOH programs for years.

“Everyone whose life has been touched by the programs of Mercy Focus on Haiti in Gros Morne can be thankful that a Mercy-filled, selfless volunteer named Marion Grimes had them ever-present in her mind and heart,” said Kathy Gauthier, Chair of the MFOH Governing Council.