Amazed at the Generosity

The benefit luncheon yesterday was amazing. Via Maestra 42 did a fantastic job on the food, the Madrigals sang during the first hour (sorry if you missed that, it was wonderful!), and that Debbie was able to make it to the second and third hours made it extra special.

What was so amazing, so incredibly amazing, was the mount of money we were able to raise for the Fishers. Based on conversations with Scott Burns, the missions leader who headed up this event, I had a certain expectation as to what I thought we'd be able to raise, and some reach goals that would be great to hit, but when Jen Oakley gave me the number, I about hit the floor, it was so far beyond my expectations.

We raised over $34,000 for the Fishers on Sunday! Can you believe that? I am still in awe of the generosity of everyone there. Thank you all so very much for your support, it adds a bit of security in a very insecure situation.

On a different note, I spoke to Bill this evening, and they are still planning on departing Wednesday. Things are still not finalized with Blue Shield, so keep your fingers and toes crossed a bit longer, but the expectation is it will work out.

Also, there is a music event in support of Gracie that is in the planning stages. It will be on February 15th at the Blind Tiger on State Street. I'll have more details coming soon, both here and on Facebook. If you're on Facebook, join the Help Gracie group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/helpgracie/.

Lastly, for those who could not make the event on Sunday (or simply want to see the photos again), I've posted the slide show of photos I put together from all the pictures everyone sent me (thank you everyone!). I hope you enjoy watching it as much as I do. you can find it here: http://youtu.be/8kdB9x208Ms.

I'll close this post by thanking Scott Burns, Pastor Alan, Suzanne McAdams, Caroline Kavanagh, and so many more at First United Methodist Church that made the luncheon possible and to Via Maestra 42 for providing the wonderful food. It was through your efforts that such a event was so hugely successful. Thank you all!

Paul