Preparing for the American Gold Star Mothers Day Weekend included hundreds of hours between dozens of people and thousands of dollars given generously from grateful Americans all across the country. Behind the scenes there were people like Rusty, who worked crazy hours getting the website up and running, able to take donations and showcase the mothers and their sons lost to war. Kristine worked tirelessly with the hotel and organizing all of our ideas, helping bring them to fruition. Dear friends like Amanda, Rachel, Marsha, and Kiki crafted, sewed, monogrammed and spray painted for days to prepare all the goody bags and decorations. Beth Halpern from Southern Floral Company created the florals and graciously donated them. Carrie ironed for hours all the linens for the tables. Hobo’s Gourmet Kitchen donated the most INCREDIBLE Thanksgiving feast you can imagine… man… you gotta try Hobo’s if you live locally off of Northlake Blvd. Lisa got all the food and drinks in order and kept the kitchen running smooth. There are dozens more friends who served but you get the idea. This incredible weekend was bathed in service and born out of gratitude. I just had to share with you some of our highlights from the weekend so that all of you who donated or participated in any way could see the fruits of your generosity.
Each table was lovingly set with china. The Gold Star Mothers all had gold chargers, gold rimmed china plates, and a photo of them with their sons at each setting. Yes, we made the frames. They involved more than a few glue gun burns, toothpicks and a drill. Don’t ask. But the end result was worth it.
A photo of some of our hardest workers before the event. When our hair was still done and after we had kicked back about 973 gallons of coffee.
These sweet letters are just part of the “mail call” boxes we gave the Gold Star Mothers. Their gift boxes included dozens of letters from all around the country and handmade notes from local students. Every single mother cried when reading the letters you all sent. We also included a beautiful American flag scarf for every mom. And monogrammed American flag earrings and rings…my friends really spoiled these sweet ladies.
Ok. This is George and Jaime. You see the handsome kid in the baby blue shirt? Yeah…he donated $100 towards the weekend for the Gold Star Mothers. I was floored. This kid has worked so hard and gave so generously…it was truly one of the most precious donations we received. Money is money and it’s all green…but this boy gave sacrificially. If you knew this young man, his family, and their amazing testimony, you’d know that he’s following his mother’s inspiring example. But when I saw his donation come in, I cried.
This is most of our Gold Star Moms on Friday night. Look at those smiles. Y’all did that. Y’all made these mamas smile. Go ahead and pat yourself on the back. You did a good thing by participating in this beautiful event.
The lady in the white shirt is Melissa Hicks. You need to know her son was one incredible young man. He saved several men’s lives and you can read about her son Sargent Timothy Stalter in the book Outlaw Platoon written by Sean Parnell, a regular Fox News Contributor. Melissa is such a sweet sweet woman and the darling little lady next to her is none other than Jaime and George’s mother, Michele. This picture is of two of the toughest broads with the softest hearts you’ll ever want to meet. Love them both. And I love each and every one of you that participated in our American Gold Star Mothers day Weekend! Whether you shared the idea on social media, prayed for us, or donated financially….we are so very thankful to have partnered with you to bless these mothers!
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