Hello everyone!
It’s been a minute since I’ve written to y’all but I wanted to update you on some exciting jazz.
For starters, I am pleased, humbled and grateful to announce that my first goal of fundraising for The World Race has been met! In just a couple of days, the amount will be changing from an astonishing $4,330 to $5,465. Amen! I want to extend the deepest and most sincere gratitude to everyone who has donated to my mission trip. You are making a huge impact on me and setting a wonderful example for me in being cheerful givers and trusting God with your treasures. Thank you so much for investing in me, the Kingdom and the various people that I will share the love of Jesus with. Without you and your obedience, this would not be possible for me. Again, Thank YOU!
During this last 6 months, God has opened the floodgates of giving in my life for this purpose and I have been overwhelmed with joy. But I would like to share a particular moment during this time that had not only provided for me financially, but spiritually. This was the night of the Gala that my friends made possible for me.
So, this one is to update all of my family and friends but it is also an idea for my fellow squad mates or any future Racers! I hope you get to do this!
Before I go into detail about this wonderful night, I will explain what a Gala is. A Gala is a night of celebration and fundraising. Gala’s can be creatively themed, formal or a come as you are event. A meal, snack or desert are often provided during the event.There is live music, raffles, silent auctions/regular auctions or flat donation opportunities taking place. Someone may give their testimony about their experience with whatever company or cause the Gala is raising money for. In addition to the testimonial, a current member of the company or charity would share the fruit of their business as well as its needs. Then, at the end of the evening gratitudes are extended to all who attended and the event is over.
I heard of this idea and thought it would be wonderful to throw one for The Race because I wanted to be creative in my fundraising process. So, with the help from my amazing community, we threw a Gala. My church, Life Church of the Northwest Valley, hosted the event. They also helped me advertise it to our congregation.
My dear friends: Alana Whitener, Marissa Menchaca, Jessica Rasmussen, Deb Hines, David & Holly Martinez, Mike Werner, Alexis Encarnacion, Joel Eblin, Victoria Eblin, Becky Grabski, Julie Jacob, Katie Mahoney, Heather Acton, Dani Baker, and Kelly & Micheyle Blake – All participated and made this evening possible. They helped with everything without grumbling or complaining, showed (and continue to show) incredible support and faith in what I am doing. This was not an easy evening to put together, especially because I had never done one before and honestly I was not great at being the director of this jazz. In spite of my lack of experience, every single person involved in the Gala rallied around me and walked me through it. They were patient with me and generous with their time and resources.
Here are some pictures of the Gala! –
Marissa, Jessica and Deb helped with decorating the church and it looked beautiful:
Alana helped me make the Adopt a Country display folders, they turned out great!
Aren’t these the cutest folders EVER?
Jess made this cute cactus and succulent sign, which I ADORE. She also arranged these succulents so that a little extra money could be made!
Katie and Heather made these delicious cupcakes! We love Red Velvet cupcakes!
Alexis and David, KILLED IT
Victoria made these awesome baskets to auction off!
Unfortunately, I did not get pictures of the display spread of food that Marissa had put together, but it was wonderful. She’s great at arranging things! The speeches that Dani and Kelly had prepared were so thoughtful and I appreciate them for inspiring everyone there with their words and wisdom! I am so grateful that the two of them reminded people of the importance of giving and support. At the end of the night the fruit of their speeches and the effort of the rest of the crew, was harvested. The 32 people who attended donated a total of $2,738 and to say that I was overwhelmed is an understatement.
This night was such a blessing to me and I am so blessed to have a community who is willing to help me move forward in this season of life. I just want to thank everyone who has and will support me, on this journey that God has called me on. You have all demonstrated Christ like community and are purposely living to bless those around you. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
To current and future Racer’s, this fundraising journey can be uncomfortable and daunting but I believe that it is meant to be done in solidarity not solitude. God WILL provide, it does require dedication, it does require humility but most importantly, it requires a great amount of faith.
There is still a ton more that I have to fundraise, but this evening was a turning point in the process. If you feel lead to donate to my World Race fund, please contact me! I would love to share what this mission and what Adventure In Missions is all about! I appreciate all of the support from you lovely people.
Godspeed,
Marissa
