By Katie Patrick
Last week, as my “Messages of Hope” article for the week came due, I sent an email to our team in Hastings, and to the marketing and development team, asking them to share some reflections on the “Give Hastings Day” that took place Thursday, May 2.
Never disappointed with the upbeat banter that I receive from the staff, I opted to share their memories from the day instead of attempting to recreate their feedback.
From John Soukup, development officer: “So when our Lincoln team walked into Hastings CSS, it didn’t seem like anybody was around. So I yell, ‘Is anybody home?’ I then look to my left and see people in the chapel, on their knees, praying. Whoops! I saw a couple of heads turn in the chapel toward me, and I immediately tried to disappear down the hall both out of embarrassment—and the fact that most of us couldn’t stop laughing, including some in the chapel.”
Susan Janda, client relations specialist: “It was wonderful having our marketing and development team in Hastings yesterday. The enthusiasm that they brought was contagious. The best part was that we were able to have Mass together with Father Harrison. Seeing the Hastings community come together socially for a common cause was a happy antidote for all the divisions that seem to be plaguing our country and the world. The generosity of our donors was gratefully received and appreciated. I am truly thankful to be a part of CSS and to the many Hastings supporters that believe in our cause. God has and continues to bless us at all times. May we always give Him the glory and bear good fruit for His Kingdom.”
The camaraderie continued throughout the day as our CSS team made their way to The Lark, joining dozens of other nonprofits to celebrate.
John McDonald, Hastings regional director: “It is very uplifting to see the whole community rally around the local non-profits. It was very fun to see all the different non-profits hit their goal. It brings everyone together because everyone has their favorite non-profit that is participating. It was a great feeling to see $1,000,000 be reached for the first time ever in Hastings!”
Indeed, we are blessed by our generous donors and by the incredible opportunity we have each and every day to not only work alongside some incredible people but we also get to see the face of Christ in the poor and vulnerable as we minister to His children. Thank you to everyone who makes that possible through your generosity and prayers. May God bless you abundantly!
