Mitchell Gore, 11, enjoys a moment with 9-month-old cousin, Donovan DeHart, who has down syndrome, on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012. Mitchell raised $1,000 to donate to the Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh in November, 2012. Butler Eagle file photo

When 11-year-old Mitchell Gore spent $80 of his birthday money on wristbands to raise awareness of Down syndrome, he had no idea his initial act of kindness would lead to more than $1,000 being raised for the cause.

The Penn Township resident's effort began after the February 2012 birth of his cousin, Donovan DeHart, who was diagnosed with Down syndrome. Mitchell was determined both to raise awareness of the disability and to eliminate the use of the word “retarded” from the English language.

After also receiving money from the Center for Community Resources and the Butler County Commissioners, Mitchell was able to donate more than $1,000 to the Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh in November, 2012.