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Carolina Has Heart: Boy raises money for adoption organization

Grady Bartholf, 9, knows the impact of adoption first-hand. This year for his birthday, he only had one wish.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — On Saturday night, the Carolina chapter of Gift of Adoption will be hosting its 8th annual gala.

This year, they have one little boy to thank for raising enough money to place three kids in forever homes.

"As you may know, I'm adopted, and so are my sisters," Grady Bartholf explained.

The nine-year-old knows the impact of adoption first-hand. This year for his birthday, he only had one wish.

"My birthday wish was not to get presents. It was for at least one child to get adopted. And my other wish was every year on my birthday to get at least one child adopted, too," Grady said.

"When he made this decision, we just thought you know maybe we would make a donation and support a child. And then he came back to us saying, no I'm going to do this on my own and this is my fundraiser," said Grady's mom Bhavana Bartholf.

Grady went on to raise more than $12,000. He donated the money to Gift of Adoption, an organization which eliminates financial barriers by offering grants to families facing financial challenges.

"I really feel sad when I heard many children in the world didn't have a family and I thought I could help," said Grady.

Thanks to the fundraiser, adoptions were completed for three families.

"My husband and I saying over and over that I feel like we are learning so much about the difference someone as little as him can make," Bhavana said.

"I love that I found a family that would care for me, love me and would always be there for me," said Grady.

For this little boy who loves his superheroes, one, in particular, has had a profound impact on his life.

"He realized Superman, who is his biggest fan, is adopted, too," said Bhavana.

"Just knowing as an adult, we've all believed in superheroes, you grow up and believe we are limited in what we can do and then you have a child telling me I think we could all make a difference and we can all be somebody's hero," she added.

Click here to learn more about Gift of Adoption. To nominate someone for Carolina Has Heart, send an email to Sarah French.

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