Making Time to Serve

I’ve been fortunate for the last 15 years to have worked for understanding companies when it comes to time off to serve my community.??The support of IBM , Dell Technologies , UiPath and DxEcosystems Inc. has enabled me to lead an annual event that has given back over $150,000 to local charities.?

My story:

One of my hobbies has always been bargain hunting and finding unique vintage items. I loved getting up on Saturday mornings and hitting the road with a girlfriend or two by 6 am to scour Charlotte yard and estate sales for that special treasure. I’ve always had eclectic taste in home decor, and this was a great way to furnish my home uniquely and on a budget. Flea markets and antique shops are still a fun adventure for me, and I love the practice of repurposing.

I got involved in my medium sized church by attending worship and small groups, being a youth counselor and even playing the handbells for a bit. I connected but had a desire to do more than support the church?in study, worship and financially. I wanted to use my gifts to contribute to our outreach mission-focused goals.?

The idea:

Host a giant yard/attic/rummage sale calling it a Treasure Sale!??I had some convincing to do with church leaders and church members, but I knew we’d be successful. Without knowing anything about how church business works, I was guided and supported by those who believed that this idea was worth trying. The first year we raised $9,500!

Fast forward to today:

?We’ve got a finely tuned process that takes about 500–600-man hours and many, many volunteers. We sort and price thousands of items for a week and then sell them over 2 days to hundreds of shoppers. It works because we have embraced the differences of our volunteers to enable them to serve in a way that suits their talents. Some love organizing books, some wheeling and dealing furniture sales, some greeting our guests and everything in between.??I have been fully supported to take time away from work to fully focus on leading this event which has made a huge difference.?To be seen for what’s important to me, to encourage me, to cover any work meetings or issues, enables me to be 100% present for the Treasure Sale and all it entails.

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Results:

We’ve hosted 13 sales over the last 15 years, donated over $151,000 dollars to 25 different charities locally, plus to two humanitarian efforts - relief for Haiti after the 2010 earthquake and for Ukraine last year.??In addition to the bargains our shoppers enjoy, we share the leftovers with 6 different organizations that donate, reuse or sell the goods.??

Why am I sharing this?

I share to inspire anyone thinking of stepping into serving in a big or small way. Listen to the voice telling you than you can! I also hope business leaders will encourage and support their teams to serve in a way they feel called.?

Thank you to all my work colleagues, friends and especially my family who have supported me in all the ways that have enabled me to grow, serve and give back.

Anthony Grey Daniel Friel Phil Santoni Donnie Robinson Parker Barlow

This year's sale is June 16 & 17.

Donate via the link below to be a part of our 2023 impact:

Updated Link to donate: https://ststephenumc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/399/responses/new

"None of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful." – Mother Teresa

In His service?

Susi

#handsfeetandheartofjesus #servingmycommunity #iseeyourhumanity?

The following organizations will receive all proceeds and 100% of monetary donations:

The Relatives – Serving vulnerable youth and young adults in our community, by enabling them to achieve independence through comprehensive services tailored to their individualized needs, in a space where they feel loved, supported, and accepted as their authentic selves.

Heart Math Tutoring - gives young students successful experiences in math through one-on-one, volunteer-delivered tutoring during the school day in Charlotte, NC.?

Greenway Park Elementary programs – 100% of the students live below or just above the poverty line.??Our church has funded reading programs, tutored, supplied school supplies and many other basics that are not funded by our school system.

United Methodist Church Committee on Relief – focused on providing disaster relief for tornado and hurricane victims in our area.