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Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Together, we make a difference!
AJ Hunt - November 22nd - Giving a teary 'thank you' to the community!
I was blessed to be part of a planning committee to help put together a community fundraiser for a young man named - AJ Hunt. He was in a horrible car accident in August (on his way to college) and was terribly injured. In fact, it changed his life forever! In an attempt to make a difference for he and his family, an event was created.
We prayed the community would rally with us! At first, we set a goal to raise $3,000 dollars. Then we bumped it up to $10,000. Then we just threw a big number out - we wanted to raise $20,000 for AJ and his family.
We prayed again and went to work!
November 22nd at Jason Lee Elementary in Richland, WA
Our prayers were answered! People showed up all night. The place was packed... you could hardly move. The community rallied with us!We had hundreds of donations from businesses and community members for our Silent Auction.
It was amazing and touching and SO inspiring!
I couldn't sleep that night just thinking about all that I had seen and been a part of!
We had live music, dinner for the family and good old-fashioned community fun! The real kind ... face-to-face!
It was the best event I've ever had the opportunity to be a part of ...
I attribute it to the sense of love, unity and purpose we all had in uniting to make a difference.
It's one of my favorite holiday moments - similar to George Bailey's Christmas miracle in -
"It's a Wonderful Life"
Thank you to everyone who helped give hope to AJ Hunt.
The out pour of love and support will never be forgotten!
We created our own community holiday miracle.
We created our own community holiday miracle.
More importantly, we made a difference ... together!
Miracles. They happen.
Special thanks to Sara Schilling for her support and coverage in the Tri-City Hearald
And to Ben and Jodi Archibald for having the idea and vision to pull this entire thing together!
On Twitter & Facebook - #HopeforAJ
(Thanks to all who helped us share on social media)
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As we entered the parking lot and saw so many cars already there, it was the first time AJ felt nervous since his accident. You wouldn't have ever guessed it, because the whole night he spent talking and laughing! Our whole family was part of the party and we relished in connecting with friends from our neighborhood, schools, and church. It felt like the FUN in fundraiser was unstoppable!
It was a humbling and overwhelming experience to feel that much love and good wishes from so many people that have been significant parts of our lives. We left the party filled with happiness and with a renewed energy!
The next day we were floored to find out that the cash on hand from the fundraiser totaled almost $25,000! These funds will do so much to help provide AJ with the therapy and equipment he needs to make the best recovery possible. He is committed to working hard in order to achieve the maximum recovery possible!
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*Update 12/15/2014 - John contacted HelpHOPELive for the total amount raised by the fundraiser. After adding in the credit card donations to the cash on hand, the total raised was $36,000! Amazing! We are being cautious in spending these funds because there are so many things that are so expensive to consider buying. We'll keep you posted on what AJ decides would be best.
Thank you so much!
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