Good morning, all.
Despite the cold temperatures this morning, my heart is completely warmed. This past weekend, I took part in something that I believe you all should know about.
Back in August, as I was driving home from babysitting a special needs child, I began to think. This precious child, one that I have known for a few years now, had a brilliant soul and personality to match. She would soon be starting middle school, a new stage that held the promise of dances. Being a fulltime student in Athens, I feared that I would not get to experience these special memories with her. I realized that this same situation applied to many beautiful individuals in my hometown, and an idea was born. A dance for individuals with special needs. I immediately called my friend Sandra and said "I have an idea." At first, Sandra only half-listened (most of my ideas aren't great, so I can't blame her at all." Then she tuned in. I texted my parents: "I have something to talk to you guys about" (in hindsight, not the best way to start a conversation, FYI.) Their reactions were supportive, but concerned. How would I plan this in the midst of starting my major coursework, a new job, and being two and a half hours away? Challenge accepted. Sandra and I then approached Bob Agan and Ryan Matherly, two youth leaders at our church. We set a date. The Snowflake Ball was just over 100 days away.
When the event was first planned four months ago, we set a goal of 20 attendees. Saturday night, over fifty special needs individuals from age of 7 to 70, their caregivers, and over 100 volunteers filled the Pleasant Valley North Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. As the attendees signed in, they were greeted by their "dates" and escorted to the dance floor. Absolute fun ensued. For three hours they participated in dancing, refreshments, crafts, petting therapy dogs, games, pictures at the photo booth, meeting Santa, and even a red carpet experience. At one point, around 300 people were counted, the majority engaging in a Conga line around the room. One thing that was not to be seen, however, were limitations.
As one of the originators of the evening, I continue to be blown away by the magnitude of the blessings that resulted Saturday evening. Throughout the night, I ran all over the room in my little heels, stressing over small hiccups in our plans. At one point, the Cupid Shuffle began to play. As I turned around, I saw smiles and happy tears, heard laughter. Placing my papers on the table, I joined the party. I shared a dance, karaoke moment, and hug with many of the attendess. It was truly difficult to tell whether the volunteers or the attendees were having a better time. Seeing this collaborated effort was simply magical.
Throughout the night and even on into today, we have received many positive comments about the event. Here are just a few from caregivers, volunteers, and attendees:
"My daughter had a blast. I believe it made her feel like every other girl out there, and she felt beautiful...thank you to all who made this possible. You will never know the impact you had on the lives of those in attendance."
"Thank you for creating the most joyful and nonjudgemental environement I have ever been in. Thank you for three hours with no worry or care."
"When can we do this again? Can we do it tomorrow?"
We could not be more blessed by the outpouring of love and support we have received during preparation and completion of the ball. Before the event, we were very concerned about having enough food to feed everyone. Like Jesus multiplied the bread and the fish, he multiplied the donations of many caring hands. We are thankful for the Richey family, Jeff Jones, Angie Lewis, Chick-fil-A, Publix, and the PVN Church family for providing many generous donations.
I have learned many things from this event. First, comfort zones are limitations for success. A few volunteers were nervous about their duties, afraid of not doing something correctly. Within minutes of meeting the attendees, these barriers were broken, making the event as incredible as it could have been. Second, love endlessly. "(All those involved) showed a Jesus love that we so desperately need to show." Outpour love, let it reach beyond all boundaries. A simple act such as serving food or even saying "you look incredible tonight" can spread love. Third, my dance moves are very, well, terrible compared to many of the attendees. Even though I looked like a fool, no one ever mentioned it. We were all too busy having fun to notice differences.
Thank you to those who donated and served food and materials. Thank you to those who were boyfriends and girlfriends for an evening. Thank you to those who decorated crowns and picture frames. Thank you to those who took pictures. Thank you to those who believed in this dream.
Had you told me what would occur within those walls four months ago, I would not have believed you. A crazy dream that seemed beyond possible came true. We are very excited to begin planning the Second Annual Snowflake Ball for 2017. Until then, we will work to make the event even better than the first (including my dance moves).
My message to you? Accept the challenge that this world gives you. Make a change. Show love. Break limits. Dance.
You never know until you try.
Despite the cold temperatures this morning, my heart is completely warmed. This past weekend, I took part in something that I believe you all should know about.
Back in August, as I was driving home from babysitting a special needs child, I began to think. This precious child, one that I have known for a few years now, had a brilliant soul and personality to match. She would soon be starting middle school, a new stage that held the promise of dances. Being a fulltime student in Athens, I feared that I would not get to experience these special memories with her. I realized that this same situation applied to many beautiful individuals in my hometown, and an idea was born. A dance for individuals with special needs. I immediately called my friend Sandra and said "I have an idea." At first, Sandra only half-listened (most of my ideas aren't great, so I can't blame her at all." Then she tuned in. I texted my parents: "I have something to talk to you guys about" (in hindsight, not the best way to start a conversation, FYI.) Their reactions were supportive, but concerned. How would I plan this in the midst of starting my major coursework, a new job, and being two and a half hours away? Challenge accepted. Sandra and I then approached Bob Agan and Ryan Matherly, two youth leaders at our church. We set a date. The Snowflake Ball was just over 100 days away.
When the event was first planned four months ago, we set a goal of 20 attendees. Saturday night, over fifty special needs individuals from age of 7 to 70, their caregivers, and over 100 volunteers filled the Pleasant Valley North Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. As the attendees signed in, they were greeted by their "dates" and escorted to the dance floor. Absolute fun ensued. For three hours they participated in dancing, refreshments, crafts, petting therapy dogs, games, pictures at the photo booth, meeting Santa, and even a red carpet experience. At one point, around 300 people were counted, the majority engaging in a Conga line around the room. One thing that was not to be seen, however, were limitations.
As one of the originators of the evening, I continue to be blown away by the magnitude of the blessings that resulted Saturday evening. Throughout the night, I ran all over the room in my little heels, stressing over small hiccups in our plans. At one point, the Cupid Shuffle began to play. As I turned around, I saw smiles and happy tears, heard laughter. Placing my papers on the table, I joined the party. I shared a dance, karaoke moment, and hug with many of the attendess. It was truly difficult to tell whether the volunteers or the attendees were having a better time. Seeing this collaborated effort was simply magical.
Throughout the night and even on into today, we have received many positive comments about the event. Here are just a few from caregivers, volunteers, and attendees:
"My daughter had a blast. I believe it made her feel like every other girl out there, and she felt beautiful...thank you to all who made this possible. You will never know the impact you had on the lives of those in attendance."
"Thank you for creating the most joyful and nonjudgemental environement I have ever been in. Thank you for three hours with no worry or care."
"When can we do this again? Can we do it tomorrow?"
We could not be more blessed by the outpouring of love and support we have received during preparation and completion of the ball. Before the event, we were very concerned about having enough food to feed everyone. Like Jesus multiplied the bread and the fish, he multiplied the donations of many caring hands. We are thankful for the Richey family, Jeff Jones, Angie Lewis, Chick-fil-A, Publix, and the PVN Church family for providing many generous donations.
I have learned many things from this event. First, comfort zones are limitations for success. A few volunteers were nervous about their duties, afraid of not doing something correctly. Within minutes of meeting the attendees, these barriers were broken, making the event as incredible as it could have been. Second, love endlessly. "(All those involved) showed a Jesus love that we so desperately need to show." Outpour love, let it reach beyond all boundaries. A simple act such as serving food or even saying "you look incredible tonight" can spread love. Third, my dance moves are very, well, terrible compared to many of the attendees. Even though I looked like a fool, no one ever mentioned it. We were all too busy having fun to notice differences.
Thank you to those who donated and served food and materials. Thank you to those who were boyfriends and girlfriends for an evening. Thank you to those who decorated crowns and picture frames. Thank you to those who took pictures. Thank you to those who believed in this dream.
Had you told me what would occur within those walls four months ago, I would not have believed you. A crazy dream that seemed beyond possible came true. We are very excited to begin planning the Second Annual Snowflake Ball for 2017. Until then, we will work to make the event even better than the first (including my dance moves).
My message to you? Accept the challenge that this world gives you. Make a change. Show love. Break limits. Dance.
You never know until you try.