Boot Scootin' Benefit

We attended the Boot Scootin' Benefit for Mountain Grove Non-Profit Charitable Organizations last night. Over $16,000 was raised and donated to local charitable organizations. They had a chuck wagon-style dinner with appetizers, wine, steak, baked potatoes, rolls and refreshments. I was a little humbled by the whole affair. The Downtown Association, which is one of the groups I'm a part of received a check for 1,000. from the group who did the fundraising for the affair. You'll have to forgive my ignorance, but I am terrible with names. One of the other recipients who received a 2000.00 donation was trying to give her speech and started crying, I was taken back a little by how much the donation meant for her organization. It was rather touching to say the least. She donates her own time, money, and dedication , plus opens her heart to unfortunate residents -mostly children to teach them how to play music. In turn, the people she offers free music lessons to, do charity work to help other unfortunate individuals with cleaning drains, doing yard work, etc for those who can no longer complete these tasks themselves. I had not heard of her efforts until last night, but definitely would like to help in her effort because I believe it is a good community program. I would like to help do some fundraising for her organization next year.  We listened to some pretty incredible music from her group last night, the age range was 3 to 65. Violins, cellos, clarinets, flutes, drums, you name it- they were excellent. This girl writes her own music so all of the people at any stage, from beginner to advanced, can play in the concerts. I will tell you, it was a humbling display of what charity is all about! While most people know I'm not a very social person and avoid many public events like the plague, I must say last night, I felt rather fortunate and privileged to be part of the occasion. It definitely renewed my faith in the goodness of mankind and inspired me to try to get more involved with other organizations and their efforts. So I guess my plea to readers today would be to get involved in your community and see what you can do to help others. Do you have a talent or knowledge that could help one of your local organizations to help people in your community? If so, why not get involved and do as the Good Lord intended, get involved in the bigger picture and mingle in your community a little. You never know whose lives you may touch, whose hearts you may open, or who you may inspire along the way.