Sometimes I feel like I dream too big. I envision doing things that are bigger and grander than I’ve ever done or seen done before. That’s also part of why I’m going on the World Race…because I want to see God and experience Him in greater ways than I have yet to see. When I first signed up for the World Race, doubt was creeping in from people in my life about how in the world I would raise $18,617. And here I am, five months out from launching and I am almost fully funded. So, here’s my story about how the Lord has provided thus far.
A few weeks ago I held a big fundraiser at my church for my World Race. When I walked through the dreaming process of this fundraiser, I envisioned doing something big. My main reason for doing this fundraiser was that I just wanted to have an opportunity to share my heart with my church about why I’m doing what I’m doing. I also had several thousand dollars left to raise and wanted to make some more progress with my fundraising.
Before doing this fundraiser, God had already been so faithful. Through letters, T-Shirts, and Chick-Fil-A, God had already provided just under $11,000. But I knew God was not done yet and neither was I. So, I planned a fundraising dinner where I would sell my remaining T-Shirts and hold a silent auction. Now, let me just say, I had no idea how to run a silent auction let alone get items for one. A few weeks before the event, my friend Nicky and I drove around Springfield and went into various businesses to see if they would be willing to donate items towards the silent auction. After several visits, we realized that each place was directing us to go to their website and fill out a donation request form. So, we decided to go home and try emailing companies. We developed a cover letter that explained the purpose of the fundraiser, which we sent to each company. We sent emails to about 30 companies including places like Jump Mania, Sky Zone, bakeries, ice cream places, theaters, restaurants, etc. Over the course of the next week, about 10-15 organizations replied. We got everything from 20 free coupons to a bowling alley to 4 complimentary tickets to see Moses at Sight and Sound Theater. God was providing right and left.
In addition to all the companies that donated items for my silent auction, my parents’ Sunday school class completely rallied around me and got on board with it. About seven or eight ladies made gift baskets with themes ranging everywhere from a movie night basket to a Mary Kay basket. My sister made a painting that went for $200 and a friend at church made a dining room table. As for the food, I utilized my connections and God provided a local pasta place to donate food for 100 people. For the final touch, the ladies in my mom’s Bible study made desserts for the event.
As the day of the event rolled around, everyone was on board and helped me pull off this major fundraiser. Many of my friends showed up early to help set up and get everything organized. And the evening was absolutely amazing. About 100 people from my church came to my fundraiser and I got to share my heart about why I am going on the World Race. My friend Scarlett (a former World Racer) also came and shared a bit about her experience on the World Race. At the end of the evening, after all the silent auction items were sold, God provided $4,000 towards my World Race, bringing me up to around $15,000. Since the fundraiser, I’ve walked into church each Sunday and people have handed me even more money towards my trip.
When I signed up to do the World Race, I was very excited for the fundraising process. The Lord had assured me that He would take care of the money, and it has been the most incredible thing to watch. A few days ago I had lunch with my mom for her birthday. As we were driving, my mom said, “I am blown away by the way God has worked in your life. You set high goals and He meets you there.” This fundraising process has not only been a testament to me of the Lord’s faithfulness, but also to my parents.
Now that I am approaching being almost fully funded, I am praying and believing that God will provide for the rest of my team. They say that there has never been an entire team fully funded before launch. But I serve a God who does the impossible.
Sharing my heart with my church.
Silent Auction Items
Every fundraiser needs a photo booth…right?
The evening ended with my church praying over me.
My amazing friend Nicky who helped me pull it off!
