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Posted By A Son-Rise Message Board Participant on February 29, 2000 at 23:21:07:
We didn't think we could afford to do it, either, so we started out with what we learned from the books, the videotapes, the audiotapes, everything we could get our hands on. But we got to a point that we felt we really needed more. We sent Jeff to the Start-Up Program, and he came back with more information and we were on the waiting list for the intensive. We didn't think we could afford to do it, but I felt that God was pushing up in this direction and so for several nights, I said, Lord, if you want us to get here, you are going to find us a way to afford it. I leave it in your hands. Of course I did an enormous amount of work, but the opportunities that presented themselves were divinely brought to me I am quite sure. We were able to fundraise $15,000 or which not only paid for our intensive program, but our room development, the cost of the start up program that Jeff went to, the videos, the books, the airplane trips up, car rentals, any hotel costs, etc. and we still have some to spare to use for more services with Option. I didn't think at least I could do it, and Jeff laughed at me when I set the goal at $20,000 (we wanted to get a little nest egg for him for the program). One thing to be careful about. The state attorney general's office in Texas demands that you keep perfect records of the entire event. Also in the state of Texas, it is illegal to have a raffle unless you meet some qualifications (like you are personally a 501-3c group). Most of our help came through our employers, some our family, and some by making and selling these little Angel Bears. One local church held a car wash, a bake sale, and collected all their spare change and they had a member in the parish that would match what they got penny for penny. They raised almost $1600 for us. The fundraising experience was incredible for me. I felt humbled to ask for help and was able to break free of the stuff I grew up with that we help others, we don't ask for help for ourselves (Catholic). I felt so vulnerable allowing others to give to us out of their love and desire to see Patrick beat this thing. It was an awesome experience and I have some very good friends from this. Of course, some members of our family were mortified that we were doing this and would absolutely not help us for whatever their reasons. It was a little tough to understand at first because I thought family was supposed to be there for you at times like these, but I found out that isn't true. So once I started adopting the "Family won't necessarily do anything for you" mindframe, I was able to let go of it and our relationships are on their way to being normal again (both sides of the family). As well, we were given a scholarship from Option for part of the cost (which we are hoping we can afford to return to them if we can save up enough money for that and Patrick, because it helped us so much. And it is a nice way of giving back so that money can be used for another family like us in the future. If you want the details of my fundraising fury, send me your email address and I"ll tell you all the ways I raised money. Hilda
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