Recently, at the annual festival at North American Martyrs Parish in Lincoln, where some of the planet’s best spaghetti is served (so say the priests at N.A.M. because of the leftovers) the Bousquet family purchased raffle tickets. The names of the Bousquet daughters – Hannah, Emily, Claire and Grace – were written on the raffle tickets with only one condition: splitting the winnings if any of the girls won.
As fate would have it, 12-year-old Hannah’s name was called, winning the $1,000 cash prize. After a family conference, they decided to donate $150 to Catholic Social Services prior to the split.
I was pleased to see the entire family come to the office with the check. They toured the building, including visiting Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament in our St. Joseph Chapel.
During their visit, the waiting room was filled with individuals and families in need. I remember it to have been a busy day. Among those in the waiting room was a single young woman who was escaping a violent situation after finding out she was pregnant. She happened to be sleeping in her car. Fortunately she was referred to us. This generous donation was used to pay for an extended stay motel prior to her admission to St. Gianna’s. She is now at St. Gianna’s, safe and happy, away from her abuser. We will now focus on helping her through her pregnancy. This timely gift helped this young woman get off the streets, and into a safe home.
As we continue our Advent preparation for Christmas, let us remember that the Holy Family was unable to at first find a place for the Christ Child to be born. Thanks to Hannah, her family and our other generous donors, this young woman now has a safe place to live prior and after the birth of her baby.
I would like to thank Kevin and Christina Bousquet and their daughters for their generous gift from the raffle winnings. We are most grateful.
As Kevin, Christina and their daughters left CSS, I happened to see the look on the face of the young woman who was also leaving the parking lot at the same time. Her face radiated happiness and joy. She appreciates it as well.
Let me take this opportunity to thank all of our donors for there are many more countless stories of individuals and families that come to us across the diocese in need. Without your help, we would not be able to help any of them. Please know you will all remain in our special prayers!
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