Ava's Donation

When we began this adoption process, we knew that fundraising would be a big part of our story. We didn't have an extra $30,000 laying around (who does?!) so we started praying about how to raise such a large amount of money. As I browsed adoption fundraising blogs, I saw that a lot of couples held fundraising dinners. Specifically, spaghetti dinners. Ok, for those of you who knew me well, throwing a big event like that is NOT my gift. I can do paperwork till' I'm blue in the face, tackle a long to-do list...but event planning...not my thing! So, how did I go about such a task? I was encouraged to send out an email to my friends who were good at this type of thing. Those who were good at throwing parties, organized, etc. So I did. I got a response from my dear friend Morgan from church. I was so glad she responded because she has a catering background and is SO gifted! We met for coffee and started planning this dinner. She compiled a list of things we needed to, idea for a silent auction as well, and ways to have the food donated. The event was scheduled for Saturday, April 23. It approached quickly, and to be honest, I was a little stressed with all the details and how it would come together. Silly me for stressing! Morgan was so on top of things! It came together perfectly and the night was a huge success. The morning of the fundraiser, my sister Megan sent me a text. Her text said... "Ava is giving you guys all her piggy bank money." Our sweet 6 year old niece was donating all the money she saved up in her piggy bank to us, to help bring her new cousin home. When Megan told us she wanted to do this, my first response was..."I can't take all her money! She worked so hard saving it!" My mom later encouraged us to accept it, as she might be hurt if we didn't. As soon as Ava arrived for the dinner, we gave her the biggest hug and told her how thankful we were for her donation! She had a big smile on her face, and handed us a Ziplock bag full of change and a few $1 bills. We placed it in the donation box we had set up at the front doors. When we got home later that night, we counted Ava's donation. She gave us $9.52 :) The most meaningful donation of the night, and the most special. She gave us all she had. I told her that her donation was a HUGE help and that she had a big part in bringing her new cousin home. Her face lit up. $9.52...the best donation there ever was.