You’re gonna need sunglasses for this one

I hope you love yellow because you’re about to be blinded by it!  SOOOO much light and hope and love and joy are going to pour out of your screen and into your heart.

This past Sunday, a thoroughly amazing flood of support swept through the Brazoria County Fairgrounds auditorium as hundreds (thousands?!) showed up to share their time, talents and treasure with Demi’s Difference.  First a wave of volunteers arrived, ready to serve wherever needed.

 

There were balloons to fill, arches to create, posters of Demi to hang, lanterns to light, and kid activities to set up.

 

There was a serving line to prepare, drinks to mix, and fish to fry.

 

Before long every detail was ready, thanks to professional-level planning and teamwork.  It all paid off as the yellow tide began to rise.

 

At one point people were sitting on the floor!  Seating had been set up for “only” 500, so more tables and chairs were brought in.

 

Everyone seemed to enjoy the meal, and only a small handful of tickets remained from the last-minute “just in case” set printed.

 

T-shirts and bracelets were gobbled up as well.  At last count, nearly 1600 of us were sporting Demi’s Difference shirts.

 

Smile after smile lit up the room as families gathered and friends reconnected.

 

When it was time for the auction to begin, the lights were dimmed for a prayer and Demi’s sisters and cousins led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

One special item was presented to Demi’s parents before bidding got underway.

 

And then the master of ceremonies introduced the auctioneers, including Demi’s daddy and grandpa.

 

The array of auction items (and item holders) was truly impressive …

 

… the auction assistants worked the bidders masterfully …

 

… the auctioneers were unstoppable …

 

… and the enthusiastic crowd brought their deep pockets and came prepared for a good time.

 

The younger set enjoyed their entertainment too!  Well, the ones who like clowns did anyway.

 

Finally the auditorium door burst open and light flooded out into the parking lot then up into the sky.  Demi’s light was surely shining brightly and making a difference for all to see.

 

This family is blessed to be loved and supported by so many, and now they will be passing along those blessings to others who need a ray of light in their own dark moment.  What a job they have before them!  What resources they’ve been given to share!

Shine on, Smith family!  Thank you for so generously sharing your Demi with us.  She is already changing the world and so are you.

If your gift is serving others, serve them well.

If you are a teacher, teach well.

If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging.

If it is giving, give generously.

If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously.

And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

Romans 12:7-8