I was able to use my talents for a great cause for the Make a Wish Foundation. My former employer always did philanthropic activities. One of the most touching was the fundraiser for granting a child's dream to visit Disney World. Although the child was adorable and had a very trying life in his four short years on earth, it was extremely touching for us as a group because we knew that it was the last time we were going to touch families as a collective group due to contract changes. Our group open their hearts and pockets at a time when they didn't know how they were going to make it in the upcoming months, some would be laid off, some would have to find other jobs at a lower pay, some didn't know how they were going to be able to pay for medical expenses if they lost their jobs, and the list goes on. As a company, we did lunches, raffles, auctions, craft and bake sales, etc., and a large majority of the items were done at the employees’ expense. I think that made it more special. We were all invested and committed into making this child's wish come true and not just send him to Disney World to meet Mickey, but his entire family including 2 older brothers.
Besides contributing to the lunches, I was asked to also assist with the craft sale. I was shocked because I usually make cards for friends and family; those that I know would appreciate and like my work although it isn't perfect. I was a nervous wreck about showcasing my work to my co-workers and others in the building. What if they didn’t sell? What should I charge for them? What if they don’t like my coloring? And I had many more reservations, but I thought what the heck! I started this blog to share my work and talents, so why not share it for a wonderful cause. Right?!?
The day of the sale, I had an offsite meeting, but I brought in 22 cards for sale. Some could have been sold in sets, others individually, but I told my crafty co-worker who is amazing by the way, that she can sell them how ever she wanted to.
Well, guess what? They sold! Yes, almost all of them even the ones I thought were awful. I was shocked and grateful! I used my hobby and talent for a greater good.
Here are a few pictures of some of the cards. The quality of the images isn’t great because I took most of them the morning of the show with my phone. But you get the idea!
Let me know your thoughts. Have you ever been afraid of sharing your gifts and talents? Are you afraid of being laughed at or judged?
I leave you with these bible verses to ponder:
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10)
"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere." (James 3:17)
