Raising Funds

I hated doing fundraisers when I was in school.  It was one of the most painful experiences of my childhood.  I never had enough people to ask.  My only orders were usually from my mom (who probably couldn’t afford/didn’t really need what she bought – she did it for my self-esteem) and maybe another family member if I was lucky.  I hated asking people and we didn’t have many people in our network who didn’t also have kids selling junk at the same time.  I would turn in my order form with my 1-2 orders, knowing that I would not get one of the fabulous prizes promised to those who could wrangle up hundreds and thousands of orders.  On the other hand, it also meant I knew I wouldn’t be called down in an assembly in front of the school (which would have certainly caused sudden death to a horribly shy child like me).

When I started seriously entertaining the idea of adoption, my biggest fear was raising the money.  I knew there was NO WAY that I could come up with $14,000 on my single income.  That was the one question that I repeatedly asked God – I just couldn’t fathom that I could get that much money together and it not take me 20 years to do it.  He continued to remind me that He has unlimited funds and to Him, money is not an issue.  It’s about obedience.  While I feel that getting this baby is filling a huge desire of my heart, I also see it as a huge act of obedience to God.  It’s an act of faith and trust – totally  unnatural to my worrisome and controlling nature.   I have already realized that this journey is about much more than my getting to be a mother.  It’s about walking down this road with God and trusting that He: 1) will provide all my needs; 2) that He has gone before me and prepared the way; and 3) that I learn more about my relationship with Him through this process.  I feel so different already.  I cannot imagine how different my faith will be after this is all said and done.  Short of dad’s illness, this is the most life-changing experience I have had thus far. 

I had my first fund-raising event this weekend.  My mom and I hosted a cookout at her house.  It was a BLAST!  We had such sweet friends from all of the different phases of our lives all in one place.  My sweet friends donated over $600 to help me get started.  I was totally in awe.  It was like God was whispering in my ear, “See?  I told you I would take care of you!”  I still need about $2000 to get all the money I need to complete the home study.  I am putting together a bake sale that will be in Kingston Springs sometime in early December.  The Tastefully Simple online party is still going on through December 6.  100% of the profit from that will come back to my adoption fund.  My good friend, Amanda, is also taking orders for Christmas candy. 

Portable S'mores…………………………………..…………………………………..$.25 each piece

(Chocolate dipped toasted marshmallows rolled in graham cracker crumbs)

Tiger Butter……………………………………..……………………………………... $.50 each piece

(White chocolate, peanut butter, and dark chocolate swirled together to look like tiger print)

Turtle Graham bars……………………………………..…………………………... $.50 each piece

(Graham crackers with homemade salted caramel, pecans, and chocolate)

Kentucky Bourbon Balls………………………………………………………………….... $.50 each

          (Chocolate-dipped, creamy confections with pecans and that little Kentucky kick)

Kentucky Colonels…….………………………………..……………………………………. $.50 each

          (Bourbon Balls minus the pecans)

Cookies and Cream Truffles…………………………………..………………………….. $.50 each

          (White chocolate-dipped Oreo deliciousness)

Peanut Butter Balls……………………………………..………………………………….... $.50 each

          (Chocolate-covered peanut butter confections)

Kahlua Truffles…….………………………………..………………………………………... $.50 each

(White and dark chocolate-dipped truffles with a hint of Kahlua)

Chocolate Fudge…………………………………..………………………………….…..$8 per pound

Walnut Fudge…………………………………..…………………………………….…..$10 per pound

Rocky Road Fudge………………………………..……………………………..……..$10 per pound

Peppermint Bark…………………………………..………………………………..…..$10 per pound

If you are interested in ordering already-made candy from her, please email me and I will pass it along to her. 

I am also going to try to sell some “goodies-in-a-jar” for Christmas gifts.  They are great for teachers or co-workers!  I am offering the following options:  Chai Tea, Chocolate Chip Muffins, Ultimate Chocolate Brownies, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chocolate Chip Cookies, S’mores, Hot Cocoa (Regular and Sugar-Free), Trail Mix, Oatmeal Raisin Spice Cookies, Spiced Orange Cider, and Peppermint Cocoa.  Please email me at ilovelucy075@gmail.com if you are interested in ordering any of these items in exchange for a donation to the fund!  I will deliver the items or mail them to you/the recipient – whatever is most convenient.  Hopefully, I will be able to get my home study scheduled for shortly after the first of the year!  Thank you for your continued support and prayers!