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Small town food event raises big money for orphans By Jessica Dooley
Event organizers Kelly Follis and Kelle Sullivan have raised money for orphans by hosting a fajita dinner and free carnival for the past seven years, but this year they decided to raise money in an even more creative way. “This was not our fund raiser, we were just following God’s instructions,” Sullivan said, adding that the event raised nearly double the amount of money collected in 2006. Two hundred and fifty people attended, making it their largest event yet. Twelve local restaurants competed for top spots in four categories salad, appetizer, entrée, and dessert. Some of the judges for the contest included the chief of police and county judge. They also had a raffle, a silent auction and a local band, Harleys Unplugged, play at the event. People and businesses donated everything from drawing prizes and silent auction gifts to linens and plates. And with no expenses, Follis and Sullivan were able to donate nearly 100 percent of the proceeds to benefit international orphans. About $500 will be donated to buy shoes for at-risk children in local schools. Prior to the event, organizers hosted the third annual Pastor Shoe Shuffle where seven local pastors brought three pairs of shoes -- boots, slippers and running shoes -- and then scrambled to locate their pair in the mix of others and race across the room. Area radio stations broadcasted the event and local churches were encouraged to stop by to donate money and shoes.
“It was helpful for the community to see the children in frames,” Sullivan said. “Buckner delivers so much more than shoes, they deliver hope, God’s love and time.” Shoes for Orphan Souls director Rachel Garton attended the event, noting that it’s the creative and heartfelt work of volunteers like Follis and Sullivan that make her work possible. “Hopefully, people can see that there are many ways to make a difference in the lives of orphans and at-risk children. Kelly and Kelle have taken their passion and made a huge impact. But we can all do something even if it’s donating one pair of shoes.” To date, the community of Seguin has donated more than $40,000 and 2,500 pairs of new shoes to benefit orphans around the world through Shoes for Orphan Souls. For more information about Shoes for Orphan Souls, visit our Web site at www.ShoesforOrphanSouls.org or call 1-866-774-SHOE. |
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 Shoes for Orphan Souls, a ministry of Buckner, is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. |
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(SEGUIN, Texas) — Residents of Seguin attended the citywide ‘Taste of Seguin’ fund-raising event Thursday, June 14, which collected more than $15,000 and 200 pairs of shoes for Buckner International’s Shoes for Orphan Souls.
Sullivan has traveled with Buckner on two mission trips and plans to go on a third this year to deliver shoes to orphans in Russia. She was able to use her photos from previous trips to share the joy of her experiences.