There's no fun in fundraising, except......

There's no fun in fundraising, as any organization can attest to, except when you have a chance to experience a time of real enthusiasm from contributors.  For the past couple years I have been raising funds for the Tribute & Memorial in Eagan's Central Park.  It's a place to remember and say thank you to our military, police & fire personnel from Eagan.

A couple residents from Gramercy Park, a senior residence in Eagan, wanted to contribute to the Tribute and wanted to have other residents get involved so they could afford to have an engraved paver for "Gramercy Park' laid at the entrance to the Plaza

After a few weeks, these ladies handed over to me their fundraising  efforts to add up and invited me to attend a monthly meeting to let them know how they did.  The first Friday of the month residents bring their own lunch and gather in the dining room to eat, socialize and have speakers. As I entered the room, where  a large group had gathered, I saw red, white and blue all over the room, with decorations and even in the clothing on residents. They made it Patriot's Day. Large tables were set up along one wall, where residents had brought in their military service memorabilia, from  medals, pictures, flags  and clothing, including old combat boots.  Momentos they had kept for 70 years and in all their moves.  Tom Mullon with the Eagan American Legion was able to attend for a while also.  (He was between playing taps at funerals at Fort Snelling.) He graciously agreed to play "Taps" for the folks and had a moment of silence.  You could see how meaningful this was to everyone.

After my saying a few words of thanks for all their efforts in collecting donations, folks in the group took the Mic to speak and share some of their memories of their days involved in combat.  Veterans were from several branches of the service, they had been in Japan, Europe and on battle ships.  All ears were  glued on the speakers, some had  sad stories, and some had funny tales,  causing much laughter from the audience.

What a grateful, wonderful afternoon  that was for me last week.  How could I complain about my small problems  after hearing about the efforts these men and women in uniform endured, putting their lives on the line for our freedoms?   I left with a new vision, eyes wide open and some tears.  My heart was on overload.

Oh yes, they did meet their fundraising goal, and more than  doubled it.  Look for the engraved paver from "Gramercy Park" next time you visit the Tribute & Memorial Plaza.  Remember what it means to the many who served  and continue to serve , whether in the military, police or fire departments.  

To learn more about the Tribute check the website, Eaganlionessmn.lionwap.org