Joyful in Hope Benefit

When Gilbert Lutheran Church first took on the challenge of putting together a benefit for Kyra, just six weeks ago, many people were skeptical.  They worried there wasn't enough time to plan and promote the event.  They worried there wouldn't be enough volunteers to set up, serve, and clean up.  They worried there wouldn't be enough silent auction and bake sale items to capture anyone's attention.  They worried the weather would cancel the outdoor activities and keep people away.

They shouldn't have worried.

The weather was perfect for the bouncy house, lawn games, pony rides, dog petting, nail polishing, and homemade ice cream machine.  With over 120 silent auction items, including autographed sports memorabilia, handmade quilts, crocheted items, baskets filled with movies, pet supplies, craft items, devotional items, barbeque sets, original watercolor paintings, stained glass angels, a hand-cut gemstone, a Turkish dinner, and more and more and more, everyone could find something interesting to bid on.  Additional tables had to be set up to hold all the bake sale offerings.  And the people came. 

The people came, and Kyra was overjoyed.  She showered lavish greetings on family, friends from school, friends from church, and friends from Special Olympics, horseback riding, and social service agencies.  She giggled and grinned at teachers, classmates, neighbors, mom and dad's co-workers, and relatives she's only met once before.  She shined all afternoon.

In fact, everyone seemed to shine as they enjoyed a good meal, played games, applauded an eclectic mix of music, held friendly bidding wars, added notes of encouragement to Kyra's wishing well, and chatted and smiled and spent time together in community.

At the end of the evening, the people that had done the planning, promoting, setting up, serving and cleaning up were talking together, exhausted and exhilerated.  These same people that had worried they couldn't pull it off now were saying, "That was fun! When can we do it again?"

What we learned today:

• People can do whatever they put their mind to.
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