Summer In Winter Picnic Fundraiser!

As I mentioned in my first post about the half, I am running as a "sole mate" and raising money for an organization called girls on the run. Nikki is doing the same and she's the one who inspired me to do it. To get the word out about girls on the run and to help us reach our goals, we planned a fundraising dinner for Saturday, February 26th. The plan was to cook lots of food, invite our friends to come eat it with us and raise money from them. We rescheduled the dinner for march 12, as few were free on the 26th. After a lot of recipe researching, food shopping, and cooking, we were at Nikki and Eric's in our summer dresses ready to serve our summer barbeque-themed meal. We filled the room with gingham tablecloths, strings of lights, lemonade, and flowers and it felt like July. Then we filled the room with our friends and it felt like a great time. We got many of compliments on the food and everyone seemed to have lots of fun! Here are some event photos by Joshua.

Most importantly, though, we were able to answer questions about what we're doing and who we're raising money for. Those are good questions that I feel increasingly qualified to answer as I learn more about this organization myself. In studying their website and joining the solemates team, I've learned enough to know what a great thing they do. I know that their services are needed and I know that they need and value my support, in dc especially, where the local council is made up of only two paid staff. I believe that girls need help preparing for a lifetime of good health, both mental and physical. It feels so good to help the girl scouts build girls of courage, confidence and character every day but i am happy to learn of other ways in which local girls are being taught to thrive. I am looking into volunteering as a coach next season and helping make a difference first hand. Thank you for reading and thank you to all who supported Nikki and I this weekend!