A Story of Generosity
A special young woman, our son-in-law's daughter, recently graduated high school and turned eighteen. Her immediate plan was to enter the World Race, an extensive mission trip. She’d been accepted, was trying to raise enough money, but her training was soon to start and she didn’t have enough money.
Her step-mom Laura was determined to help her realize her dream. She created a golf tournament at Jekyll Island where she and Mark live and work. It seems most of the residents of Jekyll Island became part of this effort, donating food, raffles and silent auction items, and volunteering to help. The pharmacy donated the required malaria pills. Laura had fun games and sponsors at every hole, some teams even had sponsors. The pharmaceutical company Laura works for is providing Catherine’s immunizations at cost. She had shirts for the golfers and shirts for her volunteers. The Westin Hotel gave her the observation deck overlooking the ocean to host the after party for supper, raffles, auction, and prizes. A wonderful singer guitarist who is popular on the island and a friend of Laura and Mark, donated his evening of entertainment. They raised an amazing amount of money for this girl that no one had yet met. They knew she was Mark’s daughter and that was enough!
Laura has told me that Jekyll Island was like a big family, everyone caring about each other. For the last 2 months they’ve rained their love down on Mark and Laura. Such generosity and willingness to help! She had an army of volunteers and enough donations and contributions to send their daughter on her way.
The astonishing thing is that this golf tournament, which was as well-run and as much creative fun as any we’ve ever been to, was put together by Laura, who doesn’t play golf, has never been to a tournament or volunteered at one. But she didn’t miss a trick! I said, “Laura, how’d you know to do all these things?” She said, “I googled it.” Such a smart girl.
As a former event planner, I’m awed by her accomplishment. As her mother, I’m very proud of her.
And as the grandma, may I ask my readers this? Please pray for Catherine, our young missionary granddaughter who will spend the next year traveling in and out of 3rd world countries spreading joy and sharing God’s love.
Thank you to the kind folks of Jekyll Island for supporting Laura and Mark in this project.