With this spring semester, came lots of responsibilities, but not just for me. Within my sorority, different members moved in executive officer and chairmen positions. I can not even begin to describe how the Lord has appointed these new officers and chairmen. Not only are they making our sorority a more thriving, influential organization on our campus, but when they heard about my trip, they immediately became interested and wanted to do anything they could to help me raise funds. After a few failed attempts, we came up with an idea: a raffle basket. Sounds simple ... and kinda boring, but Margaret Snoddy, our local philanthropy chair, and Kristin Karschner, our national philanthropy chair, can basically do ANYTHING when they set they're mind to it:
We started off with one basket. It was as simple as sisters walking into local stores and telling them my story and asking for donations. We were able to get purses, necklaces, scarves, coffee and restaurant gift cards donated (even one for a pound of chicken salad ... YUM)! Within less than a week, Margaret and Kristin, almost single handedly, had enough items to fill one basket worth $500 dollars! But I guess the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree because Mark, Margaret's dad, was quick to get involved. He sent a package filled with boxes and boxes of preservative free candy! Then we got a package He packed with probably $500 dollars worth of hair products (straighteners, shampoos, blow dryers) that had been donated for free! But to top it all off, he sent a 42 pound package (that had to be driven from the post office to Marge's dorm) filled with Sigg water bottles. Like what? What a generous family, that has been such an integral part in investing in my journey and allowing my sisters to do so as well. I will honestly never be able to thank them enough.
Within a little over two weeks of work, Margaret had enough items to make two raffle baskets. Both baskets were jammed packed with goodies and together priced at over 1,000 dollars. And last night, we got to raffle them off!! Girls bought tickets at chapter for $5 a ticket. Some girls even bought six tickets (I think I heard the phrase "may the odds be ever in your favor" probably 20 times that night)! Then I got to talk about what my trip would look like ... I told them about rough camping, making my own food, sharing the gospel, being with children and showering MAYBE four times while I'm there (the whole chapter gasped at that one)! They're honestly JUST as excited for me as I am. Unfortunately, only 2 lucky people could win the raffle boxes ... I wish I could give one to every sister. They all deserve one! But when the 2 raffle winners were announced, Bethany Deskins, our chapter's CCD and my great grand big, announced the total money raised in ONE NIGHT ... $685.95
I couldn't do anything but cry ... It's because of my sisters that I am, for I feel like the first time, actually in sight of my deadline: $666 dollars left to raise!!
"May the Odds be Ever in Your Favor"
Meet Margaret! The amazing woman that put this event together!!
Getting to talk to the chapter about my trip
Tears Tears Tears
So teary, excited and thankful for my sisters and all they raised for my journey to Africa
The Lucky winners!!
Snoddy Family,
I will forever be in debt to all you have done for me these past few weeks and all the experiences that are to come from this journey that you have graciously invested in. Thank you for your giving and loving hearts that have extended care in many moments throughout my life! I am so thankful to know you and have your influence on my heart. You are wonderful and such a gift from God! Thank you for being a part of my journey.
To Margaret Snoddy and Kristin Karschner,
Thank you so much for making my trip a priority and continuously brainstorming ways to not only raise money, but raise the most money possible. It is because of your leadership skills and go getter attitude that I am so close to making my goal. You guys are such amazing (possibly one of my favorite) parts of this story. I am so thankful for you. I love you both.
To the women of the Lambda Pi Chapter of the Delta Zeta Sorority,
I can not even begin to tell you how much you mean to me. It is crazy to think that seven months ago, I was plotting ways to not have to go through rush. Everyday, I thank God that He is sovereign and made sure I wasn't only forced to go to rush (thanks Mom), but also chose you guys and that you guys chose me. I have learned so much from our sisterhood and my life has already been drastically altered because of my initiation into this family. Thank you for loving me and accepting my heart and rallying behind what I stand for. I am so pleased to be able to tell the story and say that my sorority gave one of the largest amounts of money to my trip! It honestly reminds me, this campus and my friends and family what our special sisterhood truly stands for. I love you all so much and so pleased to share last night with you guys ... I wouldn't have wanted to share it with anyone else. I can not wait to come back and almost immediately see you guys (hooray for recruitment?) and tell you all about my trip. I promise to shower before coming back. You know you all have my heart. I love you to the moon and back. LITF.
In Him,
Catherine
