Friday, November 8, 2024

On Thursday, I attended a community event in a neighboring (large) city. 



I had the pleasure of attending Mistletoe & Magic, a four day Holiday shopping event sponsored by the Junior League.  The annual fundraiser really brings people together in the spirit of Christmas, but it also raises vital funds that go back into the community to address critical needs. 




My excitement was quite visible when I arrived and saw that the entrance of the facility was even better than what I was expecting.   My energy reached a new level when I saw my sweet niece, who lives at a community home for disabled adults, preparing to perform with the choir from her community home. 


Seeing these residents (who have many challenges) participate, giving their best, filling the venue with the sound of beautiful voices, was pure happiness.  Their faces were beaming with pride and joy.....this was a sweet Blessing not only for them, but for everyone listening to the ringing of bells and hearing the tender voices singing.    


Mistletoe and Magic proved to be perfectly named.  The event was filled with Holiday Magic, transforming the space into a festive wonderland of twinkling lights, beautifully decorated trees, and booths filled with some very unique gifts, as well as a large selection of delicious snacks.   


Thank goodness, that I had already decided on the amount of money that I would spend to support the Junior League.  I am glad that I only carried that amount with me!  LOL 😂




The true highlight for me was, without a doubt, seeing my niece's joy as she participated.  I will say, I might have had a few tears in my eyes as I observed this uplifting experience, made even more special by all of the residents of BVT. 



I hope you enjoy the photos that I posted...Honestly, the pictures I took do not truly show the beauty and happiness that filled this massive room.  


Happy Friday friends....

Love is not only about what you say......LOVE is what you do!

Shug.......💛


20 comments:

  1. Oh, how precious this post is, Shug! I loved seeing the happy faces of the singers as they performed for the crowd. I know you're so proud of you niece, as well you should be. Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Such a special group of young men and women.. The great thing is, the surrounding communities work hard to include them and let them be a big part of what is happening.

      Delete
  2. What a wonderful event! You took awesome photos, and all the decorations are so creative, I have never seen ones like them! It is all so beautiful, and CHEERFUL! I love the pic of you and your niece!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Ginny. The venue was so beautifully decorated and I loved getting to see them perform.

      Delete
  3. What a nice night! The Junior League does great work.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This has always been a successful event hosted by the junior league.

      Delete
  4. I did enjoy each and every photo starting with the awesome balooon decorated tree. I would have cried through their songs if I were there, my tear ducts are connected to my empathy feelings and I have tons of both. it looks so wonderful and happy and joyful

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wasn't that tree awesome!! I've already been thinking of how I could make a smaller version of the tree. Same here....my heart is so big for this disabled adults. I wish I could have posted the video of them singing their hearts out.

      Delete
  5. thecontmeplativecat here. Your photos are precious. Like MadSnapper above, my tear ducts and empathy leanings I would be tearing up as well. Thanks for visiting my site. I'll be back.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much. I'm glad you stopped by. These young men and women always bless my heart.

      Delete
  6. Score another one for tearing up. Thank you! ❤️

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Such a blessing to see the confidence that the residents have in connecting with the outside world. We are so blessed to have this place so near to our home, for Tammy to live at.

      Delete
  7. Oh Shug, I am delighted to meet you and enjoyed your comment on my blog. I have added you to blogs I follow and always love to see another sister of Christ. How precious your neice and those she lives with...What joy to see their faces as they sing.
    Again, so glad to have joined you blog friends.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you Wanda for dropping by...I am so excited to have you as a blogging friend. thank you for adding me and I'm adding you as well. This event was such a joy.

      Delete
  8. What a delightful event. I love the name of it. That's awesome that the residents performed. What a special day for them and all who attended.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too Ann...I think the name of the event is so delightful. This truly was a special day.

      Delete
  9. Oh, what a beautiful story and what a beautiful event. I used to work with special needs children for years and years. I just loved them so much. The sweet ones I worked with were so happy and so positive. We could learn a lesson.

    ReplyDelete
  10. How fun and what a beautiful display of photos taken that day- so festive. So nice about your niece and her community being involved.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Such a great day, my friend!!! Thanks for the smiles.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Some of my best holiday memories were visiting the Junior League's Christmas Carousel. Come to think of it, there's probably a well-loved cookbook around here that had to come home with me.
    The year I worked at Abilene's State School was really rewarding; the residents so dear. Thanks for sharing their joy!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for Blessing me today with your comments...

From Sam

  Update on Shug. Shug was sick throughout our trip but would not have missed our grandson's graduation for anthing.  We got home late F...