“People forget what you kept, but they will never forget what you gave.” –Orrin Woodward
Everyone likes to have fun! Imagine if the fun you had helped raise $617,000 for a children’s home in Texas.
Approximately 3,500 participants came out to support the 37th annual Houston Spring Festival and Petal for a Purpose on Saturday, May 2nd, 2015, to help raise funds to support a children’s home–full of kids whose families are in crisis.
Boys and Girls Country, a privately funded children’s home in Hockley, Texas, is on a mission to change children’s lives by loving and nurturing them in a Christian environment, and raising them to become self-sustaining and contributing adults. The home provides support for nearly 88 children and 14 college and career young adults by arranging for them a home, food, medical care, clothing, around-the-clock supervision, school tutoring and counseling. The needs are tremendous for these children, but as John Heywood once stated, “many hands make light work.”
The Spring bike ride and festival lasted less than 10 hours; but with thousands of volunteers and groups serving by giving of their time and resources, the charity event was a tremendous success.
One of the featured groups at the event was Life Leadership, with over 50 members participating. In addition to volunteers, several Life member families showed up to offer financial support and join in on the fun. Smiles were needed in the ticket booths, at the petting zoo, around the game booths and food stands, and at the check-points during the bike race; and there certainly wasn’t a shortage of hands and heart-felt help from all who chipped in.
Life Leadership members first started participating in the event three years ago, and the number of people getting involved has only continued to grow each year.
“I first heard about Boys and Girls Country at my Bible study group a few years ago, and I was intrigued to learn more. After my husband and I toured the cottages and met the children, we knew we wanted to get involved somehow.” –Tammy Darling (Life member)
“The greatest impact I received from serving this year was listening to the members of my team talk about how much the experience changed them. The volunteers were moved to tears, and we all can’t wait to do it again next year and bring even more people along.” -Jeff Darling (Life member)
The “Life on Life Initiative” is making a difference at Boys and Girls Country, and we are incredibly proud of the Life Leadership members who took time and energy to go and serve!
To learn more about Boys and Girls Country, check out this awesome video:
Terri says
Having fun and making a difference! I love LIFE!! Keep up the great work!!
Linsey K. says
Simply awesome!! I’m proud to be associated with such an amazing group of people – making a true difference in the lives of others!
Kaylee Heninger says
What an awesome service! You’re making a difference in the lives of those children and youth, and also in the lives of those who served. Thanks for sharing this with us!
Malia says
SO awesome!! It’s all about having a servants’ heart! Proud to be part of an amazing organization. LIFE is where it’s at! 🙂 Great job!
Sheri says
So incredibly proud to be part of the Life Leadership organization! Helping to make a difference in the lives of children and young adults at this wonderful facility! Life Leadership Rocks!!!!
John Mossner says
Great article! Great job to everyone involved.
Carol says
My husband and I were so proud to represent Team Braveheart and Life Leadership for a second year at Boys and Girls Country. It was an amazing day and we are looking forward to next years opportunity.
Micah Kramer says
Jeff and Tammy Darling orchestrated, modeled and messaged servant leadership – plugging our teams, friends and families into an amazing cause, while giving of ourselves to something meaningful. Something bigger than us. It’s a blessing to serve our community and those who need a hand up, not a hand out. “To be happy, give happy!” ~Chris Brady
Micah
Team Braveheart
Houston, TX
Greg and Wendy says
Thank you for all you do for the children and families. The way your organization serves is a true message to others on how to be servants! Not only in our own homes but in the lives of others. A special thanks to Jeff and Tammy Darling, for encouraging so many others to come out and open there hearts . What a blessing!!!
Judy says
So happy these children have an opportunity to live, grow and learn in a safe and Christian environment. Glad to be in Life Leadership, helping Boys and Girls Country to make a difference in these children’s lives!!
Robert & Renée Ortiz says
Boys and Girls Country is such an incredible organization. My family is honored to serve beside Jeff & Tammy Darling each year. Meeting the kids and seeing how much hope & love they exude is such a blessing. Life Leadership will be making differences worldwide because of the incredible members and leaders!!
Robert & Renée Ortiz
Team Braveheart
Jennie Dibala says
Awesome news! Life Leadership makes a difference in so many ways!
Chris Brady says
Great job guys! This is what the Life on Life initiative is all about, and we appreciate you guys investing in other people with the actual moments of your life. True compassion and caring is demonstrated with “boots on the ground,” and I’m sure those children are being blessed by your example of love.
Serve on!
CB
Anthony Nieto says
Fired up! A difference being made right here in Texas. This is awesome news about LIFE leadership. We truly are making a difference to the world!
Teesa Rossman says
We are so proud of our brothers and sisters in Houston! Keep fighting the good fight! We love you guys!
CJ Calvert says
Fantastic work guys. LIFE Leadership is truly a world-class organization and continues to make a positive differences in people’s lives!
Mark Dunn says
The work that Boys and Girls Country does will have an amazing ripple effect in the lives of those children and in return in the many years to follow. I am so excited a group in LIFE Leadership decided to help link arms and contribute to a worthy cause!