Special Kids Banquet
On September 21st, 2017...
the Special Kids Foundation had a banquet which served as a fund raiser. This took place at the Experience Community Church, with around 350 guests who came to participate in an auction. There were two auctions: One for silent bidding and a main one where all guests had a chance to outbid each other. Packed with volunteers, participants and other workers, the Special Kids Foundation raised over $11,000 off 3 items alone. Sharing testimonies between each other all guests had a chance to hear a firsthand account on the helpfulness of this foundation. Awards were given out, meals were enjoyed and everyone had a good time.
After the lobby there is a little area with a special light set up to increase the brightness. This is both worker and supporter(s) joining to take a picture at this special spot. Most guests didn’t acknowledge the quote behind them which says, “For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works”- Ephesians 2:10. This is a representation to the people who came out to support and the staff members who dedicate their time to helping others in need.
After the special section set up, the guest come and take part in the silent bidding. There were more than 20 different items that the guests could possibly win. Some are on display and others are in a back room randomized to the winner. This happens to be the last chance and these two ladies are rushing to put something down!
The guest are now in the main lobby. Waiters and waitresses then served food to the guests as staff started the light show. The lights changed based on the speaker and the main points they spoke on. Each color meant something special such as purple in this photo. This color stood for power and nobility which seemed to be a feeling that overwhelm the guest with joy as the event proceeded.
The first of the many speakers for the night. The color green is symbolizing rebirth, growth, healing. This was prominent because so many people had lost their loved ones to illness. There was mention of a young man who had a disease in which all who suffered from it had not lived past 20. He in fact had passed at 17.
At this point in the banquet, the speakers had asked that all attendees to fill out forms that had donation and contact information on them. They then were placed in the tins at the center of each table. After all of the people at the table followed these steps they raised the tins in the air as staff members frantically rushed to collect them all.
“Yes!” a quote from the two gentlemen who conducted the auction. At this point $5,000 had been raised off two prior items. A small back and forth between the bidders had ensued quickly raising the bid from $500 to $4000 on one item. These two men were excited and cheers erupted as they pointed to another person each bid.
The final bidding item. Made from recycled shirts that the special kids had sewn together. Some of this material sewn into the quilt was more than 30 years old! This was also the hot item of the auction. Raising the most money at $5,100 in less than 3 minutes, bidders rushed to claim this item. It meant more possibly due to some of the children passing on many years before this banquet.
A set of items from the silent bidding. Winners of the silent bid returned to the lobby to find there name displayed in front of their prize. These items were on display on newly stacked out tables. The gifts were wide in variety. Someone who bid had won 2 dozen donuts while another had one a display knife. More than most of the participants were satisfied with their items.
In conclusion of the event, a painting stands. This was painted as the event went on, in front of all watching eyes. Starting with a blank canvas the artist used many colors to symbolize the many kids with different illnesses. At its last stroke, the painting and it’s artist were cheered on by viewers. This event was prosperous and raised a lot of money for special kids.
At the beginning of the banquet, guests come in meet with the Staff members of the foundation. In this lobby, you have people who are volunteers, family members and longtime friends who may or may not have seen each other in a while. Information about seating is also in this room.