I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I love a good party. But what I love even more is a party with a purpose. So I don’t think I could have asked for a better birthday present than to celebrate the 25 year-old legacy of Visitation House at their Annual Summer Sojourn fundraiser last week.
The opportunity to help organize the event with such a talented team of people was a true highlight of my year. I am truly grateful to all the committee members, Visitation Staff, sponsors and donors for how they have helped the future of the program. It was really a beautiful effort and coming together of so many people, and I am fortunate to have had the experience.
Sure, it is a blast to dress up and socialize in a festively decorated ball room but that is by no means the real selling point that gets people through that door (there are plenty of cheaper ways to fraternize in this town!).
At some point in our lives someone or something moved us. Whether it was a particular family member, friend, homily, book, picture in a magazine, or episode of Dr. Phil; from that moment onward we are changed people. In which we forgot about ourselves and truly become “men and women for others.”
That is what is so great about events like Summer Sojourn. They serve as avenues for us to pay homage, either publicly or personally, to those experiences that have made us the people we are today.
I have volunteered at several charity events in the past, but never at one which has directly benefited my place of work. I had a lot of fun involving the children in the event - the room was splashed with hundreds of colorful decorations made by the women and children, showcasing their unique talents and creativity.
However, no amount of arts and crafts can give an accurate understanding of the special gifts of the residents. If only attendants could indulge in a sliver of Maria’s famous Tres Leches Cake, or know how much fun it is to draw Texas Monster Trucks with P.J. - I am a lucky little girl; I feel like I’ve got it all.
Although the event took a great deal of time and energy it has in return, truly helped sustain my momentum in my final months here. I see the purpose of my work and Visitation House differently now, as it not only helps transition women and children out of homelessness but also fosters hope in the community at large.
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