Fundraising: Dock-Style
The past 3 Saturdays have become a new “normal” for us in the spring and fall.
The biggest fundraiser that our youth group does is take out docks/boat lifts for various people, on various lakes.
Moving out to Minnesota, I hadn’t really heard much about this “job.” Living near Lake Michigan, the docks were permanent, so the need to take out, wasn’t there. Then we move to the land of 10,000 lakes, and life looks a little different out here.
It has been no joke that this is an awesome fundraiser! I never thought we would be taking out docks for a fundraiser, but it is insanely good and fun at that! Just this fall, we have raised close to $6,000 for our youth group, by taking out docks/boat lifts. Even more so, we have been able to work together as a youth group to do so, while also doing a service to those who need it. We do not charge – it’s on a donation basis. To see the kids work together, to accomplish what seems at times monumental tasks, is thrilling. To hear kids say “I can’t” to “it wasn’t so bad” brings excitement. To know that we are all so tired by the end of the day, while working rain or shine, yet have this extra pep in our step because we had a blast doing it, makes it all worth while. We understand it takes up their Saturdays – but it’s more than just work. It’s building the group, building relationships, and an opportunity to build one another up.
We have been so blessed by people’s generosity and we look forward to putting them all back in, in the Spring! We do have a few more to do, but they won’t be full-day projects.
Dan, Trapper, and I, in our get-up for the “season.” Love being able to do this with these two guys!
This has been a new experience for Dan and I, but it has been so much fun. We even learned about muscles that we didn’t know we had (or were unaware of). Doing ministry together, means doing it all together (when able), and that is the joy we find in it. We are blessed to have each other and blessed to be able to do it together. We wouldn’t trade it! People still question the whole “why do you work part-time, Kristin…” but THIS is why I work part-time. To be able to go on mission trips, week or weekend retreats, participate in after-school activities, and do it all with my best friend? A dream come true. It isn’t always easy and it does take a little sacrifice, but it has been 100% worth it and it is in the choices we make. I love our youth group kids so much and we are blessed to be here together.
