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Help Andrew Grayson Stay on the Path to his Dream!
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$3,438 raised of
66 donations
Help Andrew Grayson Stay on the Path to His Dream
Hello everyone,
My name is Daneen Collins, and I’m the proud mother of Andrew Grayson. I’m starting this GoFundMe because my son has worked so hard to get where he is — and I don’t want money to be the reason he can’t keep going.
Andrew is 25 and studying Footwear Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City. Ever since he was 13, he’s been sketching sneakers in his notebooks — dreaming of creating designs that reflect his love for art, culture, and faith. When he got accepted into FIT, Andrew took a huge leap of faith and moved to New York.
Over the years, Andrew’s dedication has opened incredible doors. He has attended three design trainings at Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design, where he had the opportunity to learn directly from and collaborate with some of the industry’s top sneaker designers. Those experiences not only strengthened his skills but also led to a year-long internship with Carhartt, where he gained hands-on experience bringing real design concepts to life.
Unfortunately, the financial aid we expected didn’t come through, and the costs of tuition, materials, and living in New York have become overwhelming. Andrew is doing everything he can — working, creating, and studying — but it’s been a real struggle to keep up with all the expenses.
I’m asking for help so that he can stay enrolled and continue doing what he was born to do.
Every dollar will go directly toward:
- Tuition and fees at FIT
- Required design materials and tools
- Living expenses so he can focus on school
- Building his independent line, Non-Violent One, a brand that promotes peace, purpose, and creativity
Andrew’s work has already started getting noticed — he’s been featured on Brooklyn Shoe Space’s social media, and you can see his designs at andrewgrayson.net
or on Instagram at @peskydesigns.
He’s not just a gifted designer — he’s kind, humble, funny, and deeply faithful. I’ve watched him turn challenges into art and never lose his sense of purpose. As his mother, I just want to see him finish what he’s started and step fully into the future he’s been working toward for years.
If you’re able to donate, please know that every bit helps — and means more than words can say.
Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for supporting Andrew’s journey.
Here is a video from Brooklyn Shoe Space with Andrew and other participants.