Sunday, August 18, 2013

Parents' Night Out Success!

A few months ago, my friend, Traci, came to me with a fundraiser idea.  She works at a local gymnastics center and she wanted to offer a parents' night out as a fundraiser for our adoption.  Parents were able to come drop off their kiddos for 2 hours of fun at the gym.  On Friday night, 42 kids showed up at the gym.  She divided the kids into groups and rotated them through stations, as well as pizza, and a craft.

I helped by manning the craft.  I found this idea on Pinterest and we ran with it.  All of the kids were able to create a watercolor picture and the older kids also added clear glue and salt to the pics.  It didn't turn out quite as neat as the way the blogger describes the original idea, but overall it was fun (especially since it worked for a huge range of ages - from 2 - 12!)

The fundraiser, on the other hand, was a huge success! We were able to raise $533 for our adoption!  Wow!  We were amazed!  More than that I was just amazed at everyone's willingness to come out to help us.  Traci organized volunteers that helped with each age group.  Many of these volunteers didn't even know us, but they were still willing to come out and help.  Amazing!  Traci's sister and husband also both came out to help. Another one of the volunteers was a sweet college student (now graduated) that I had in class and I even received an email yesterday from another one of my college students saying that if we ever do another fundraiser requiring child care again, she would love to help.  Wow!  That's all I can say... wow... walking through the adoption process has been nothing but a blessing and I know the biggest blessing is yet to come!

Thank you so much to Traci and Ryan Kana, Ashley Mensik, Emily Sudtelgte, and all the other volunteers!  Also a big thank you to Beamers Gymnastics and Cheerleading!

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Parents' Night Out Adoption Fundraiser

We are so excited to announce our next adoption fundraiser!  We are having a parents' night out this Friday and Beamer's Gymnastics and Cheerleading Gym.  My good friend, Traci, has generously offered the gym and her time (as well as recruiting volunteers).  Parents can drop off their little ones (as long as they are potty trained) for 2 hours of gymnastics fun, as well as pizza and crafts! We are doing a  suggested donation of $10 per child.

When: Friday night, August 16, 6:00-8:00 pm
Where: Beamer's Gym
133 Tannehill Dr.
Abilene, TX 79602
Who: Kids ages 2.5 - 12 years (little ones must be potty trained)
Cost: Suggested donation of $10/child
You can pay online at our adoption fundraiser website or cash when you arrive.

We are so excited to see you Friday night, but be sure to sign up because space is limited.

Thanks so much!!!