Today, I was given the opportunity to help an amazing cause with a group of amazing people. Just Jeepin for a Cause held their annual Jeep Show and Shine today on the Gaston College campus in Dallas, NC. Many of the group arrived at the campus at six this morning, I arrived around seven or a bit after. After parking Star, I stepped into what ever I could to help.
The Jeep show is the annual fundraising event for the Love Like Lauren Foundation. It helps children dealing with childhood cancer and their families. The link to their web site is: https://lovelikelauren.com/our-mission/
The show not only has hundreds of Jeeps, but there were vendors, music and food trucks. Silent auctions and raffles and trophies for Jeeps chosen to be outstanding in the bunch.
Before the event, volunteers signed up for various responsibilities. Those who sold the tickets at the entrance, parking, operating the various booths, and keeping the area clean. While it seemed chaotic in the beginning, we all soon fell into a sort of rhythm getting things done. We grouped up and helped the vendors unload and at the end of the day, helped them tear down and load up. While I’m sure there may have been moments that could have gone smoother, in the end, it all worked out.
Did my Star win a trophy or collect a flock of ducks? No, but I gained something so much better. Even with my insecurities, I was made to feel a part. I was accepted and another part of the family. Over the course of the day I was in a variety of different conversations. At the end of the day, a long, amazing, incredible, busy but in a good way day, I drove away with a feeling that I don’t remember the last time I felt so fully. I felt loved. I was told thank you so many times, I was told be careful going home, that I was loved. I was hugged often. I wasn’t some wanna be trying to slip in unnoticed, I was drawn in and shown with no hesitation, I was part of something so amazing. I was given a gift that is better and more special than any duck or trophy.
Today, was an amazing day. The weather was perfect, even if the wind did try every once in a while to blow tents away. The crowd was peaceful, and spending money adding to the coffers all but depleted. I do not have any of the final counts, but I do know, today, in so many different ways, was a blessing. I am so glad I was able to be a part.
Words from The Dirt Road 
I’m glad that you had a great day! We all need to feel wanted and appreciated. ❤️
We do, and some of us, need to accept that those feelings are being offered it we only open up enough to trust and accept.
That trust is easily broken too often.
So glad that you experienced this: “I drove away with a feeling that I don’t remember the last time I felt so fully. I felt loved. I was told thank you so many times, I was told be careful going home, that I was loved. I was hugged often.”
Sounds like a very satisfying day!
It really was. It was a gift that will keep on giving because now, finally, even though I was never rejected, I felt the imposter. Now, thanks to yesterday, I don’t.
It’s good to volunteer for causes we care about
Thank you, I agree. Especially when it is for the children and their families.
Very true Rebecca
AWESOME!!
I love a good volunteering e peeience! Now that I’m virtually immobile, I’ve had to give it up (the seated duties are always aleeady claimed).
Sounds like it was a great day!
It really was, but I am so very sore. I should have taken something last night for the pain because every time I moved my back screamed. Still, it was worth it and I’d do it again today..
YAY!!
I slept in because I was soooo relaxed and comfy, and not sore, for the first time in months.