I had the privilege of photographing a fundraiser for The Asbury House recently. This year was a big deal considering it was the 50th year celebration. Volunteering with nonprofits is a wonderful way to boost the value of your community. Not only that, but when you help others it benefits your emotional and spiritual well being too. One of my good friends and fellow photographers, Somer Page, was scheduled to photograph the event, but wasn't feeling well so I took her place.
Not being familiar with the program before I attended, I decided to study a little about them. I was familiar with the host location, the Longview Museum of Fine Art, but I had never heard about The Asbury House. If you'd like to gain some insight into the program they offer, please click here and you'll be directed to their website.
To see so many people attend to support them was thrilling. I'm a big fan of givers. Givers understand the value of a nonprofit like The Asbury House. The arts are integral in helping children and adults use the creative desires that are inside them. Remember when you were younger? One of the first things you were given to practice your creativity on was crayons. I remember the extra chunky ones that came in a pack. Coloring on a white piece of paper was so much fun! The smell of the waxy object in my hand and the endless possibilities surrounding those tools was just the beginning of my creative processes. Next came watercolors and markers, then scissors and glue for the colorful construction paper promising to be something unique. (How many of you can attest to pouring the glue in your hand and letting it dry out so you could peel off the impression it left in the palm of your hand to see all the paths that God had outlined there?)
The fundraiser table scapes were decorated in all kinds of colorful displays. There were musical instruments, children's books, LEGO's, and more. Each entity that provided items went above and beyond to make each table look special. Guests walked into the lovely sounds of a guitar played by a talented artist whose name I didn't catch. Bearcreek Smokehouse provided the flavorful dinner and dessert that evening. There were several local businesses that provided items to be auctioned off. The auctioneer from H5 Auction and Realty was a hoot! He definitely made the evening more enjoyable. Of course the most special items were the paintings completed by both students from The Asbury House and local artists, Sharon Grimes and Anup Bhandar.
Ginger, the guest speaker for the evening, is a mom of three boys who've all attended The Asbury House. She told a touching testimony how her oldest son was non-verbal and had learning disabilities it seemed. The instructors at the facility were very encouraging and her son flourished. He's doing well in school now and his younger siblings have been able to thrive there as well. Her story touched many of us in the room. One gentleman was a big giver. Near the end of the evening the Longview Fire Department donated a fire truck ride along for four school age children. This man made sure to win it and then he gave it to Ginger's family. I loved that!
Special thanks to each of the people who helped make this event a success. If I left anyone out, I wholeheartedly apologize. Here's a list of everyone I can remember:
- The Asbury House students and faculty
- Longview Museum of Fine Arts
- Bearcreek Smokehouse
- United Country Real Estate H5 Auction and Realty
- Longview Fire Department
- Junior League of Longview
- WOW
- Heartisan's Marketplace
- Jim Bartlett Fine Jewelry
- Copper Tree Retreat
- Arts View Children's Theatre
- Sugar Magnolia Properties
- Twin Oaks
- Tempest Golf Club
If you're on the fence about becoming a volunteer locally, I encourage to think of something close to your heart. Is it children? If so, there are a number of nonprofits in Longview and the surrounding communities you should look into. You'll never regret being a blessing to others. I promise. Are you already volunteering? I'd love to hear more about what you do. Share a comment below.
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