Chicken, Facebook, and fast food. Did you know that that combination can help raise money? I learned that this week. My first official event to raise support for the Race was a tremendous success! I really can’t put into words how full my heart was at the end of Tuesday night. I traveled down to the classic city of Athens, GA, to host a benefit night at Chickfila. Basically from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. I was able to collect 10 percent of the sales. Now, while I did go to UGA, a lot of my friends have already graduated and moved out of Athens. However, some of my nearest and dearest friends still live in Athens and dedicated the past two weeks to spreading the word and getting as many people to come as possible. My goal was to have 100 people come to the event. I had a 101 confirmed on Facebook and 143 maybes. By the end of the night, we had collected 160 receipts! It was absolutely unreal. One of my best friends Jen stayed at the cash register all night and tallied the receipts and another friend went around to each table, explained what I was doing, and collected receipts that way. It was so amazing to see my incredible friends promote the Race in every way possible. But that wasn’t all. I met so many amazing people who just decided to come to support my mission that I was able to talk to about the race; some of which I are considering doing it when they graduate! So many of my friends traveled over an hour and a half just to be there. Talk about humbling. It was one of those moments when you are filled with so much joy that you can’t do anything else but reflect and praise Him for His many blessings.
Along with the proceeds from Chickfila, (I don’t know the total yet, but I think it will be around $100!) we raised $550 JUST FROM FIVE PEOPLE! Five amazing people whom I LOVE and adore. They just handed me checks and cash-filled envelopes. One of them currently doesn’t have a job and wanted to support me anyway. Ah! It makes me teary eyed just thinking about it.
Another cool God thing was that one of the cashiers wanted my contact information so that I could come speak at his FCA. He said they support a lot of foreign missions and his Coach might be interested in supporting me! It was so incredible to see the passion in this young 17-year-old’s eyes as he talked about ministry and missions. Another cashier (Caleb) also wanted to know more about the Race and get my updates so that he could pray for me. It’s just amazing to see how when God’s people come together, how different passions are ignited.
Needless to say, it was one of the best nights to date. I cannot give enough thanks to everyone who came out and supported the event! You are having an impact on the Kingdom! Get excited! J
Until next time…
