Sunday, August 10, 2014

The Overflow Foundation

Our friend, Julie, is doing the most amazing thing.  She is answering a call that God has placed on her heart . . .and that call is for a wonderful ministry called The Overflow Foundation.  Julie is well qualified to do many things - a teacher, a nanny, a youth director - she has done all of those and more.  She has now given up on a "steady" income and is pursuing this dream that God has placed upon her heart.

Starting in September, children from one of our poorer areas in the greater Birmingham area will go to East Lake UMC.  They will be fed a healthy snack and then they will rotate between three areas -- tutoring, art and drama.  Various volunteers will be in place to help these children.

Here is the blurb from The Overflow Foundation's facebook page (go like her page!!)

The Overflow Foundation is an after-school program designed for 6th-12th graders that encourages students to to encounter Jesus through The Arts.

MissionEncouraging youth to flow beyond their limits.

General InformationAfter school program for 6th-12th grade students.Students will be able to take different classes such as Art, Music, and Drama while maintaining academic standards through tutoring classes

I love that thought -- encouraging youth to flow beyond their limits!  That reminds me of the scripture about how Christ wants us to have abundant life . . .abundance . . .overflow. . . enough to share with others.One more interesting thing before I tell you about the pictures below.  The program is designed for 6th through 12th graders but many of those students couldn't attend BECAUSE they are the care givers for their younger siblings after school and in the evenings. . . .so what is the Overflow Foundation going to do?  They are going to make a place for those younger siblings if necessary.  We, in the middle class, sometimes forget . . .or often don't even know . . .how hard life is for others.

So Julie has to have money.  I think they have calculated that it will take $54,000 to run the first year.  She and her board of directors planned a fund raiser called "A Hot Southern Night" and it was last Thursday night.We were tired and thought about not going.  As a matter of fact, I fell asleep in my chair and didn't wake up until our daughter called.  Mark was outside working and I yelled, "Oh my gosh - we have 20 minutes before it starts."

We went into the hurry up mode and dressed and picked up the girls (Laura, Lauren and Dana) and zoomed to the location.Let me just say it -- WE HAD THE BEST TIME.  IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!!  I swear - it was all age groups - lots of young adults and lots of folks our age.  It was a great mix.

The music by Trey Hill and friends was fantastic!!  I heard that the desserts were really yummy!  People were laughing and talking and eating and drinking and everyone had a wonderful time!!  People even danced!

So . . .if you want to help . . .friend "The Overflow Foundation" on facebook . . .and/or contact The Overflow Foundation (TheOverflowFoundation@gmail.com) if you would like to give money or donate your time (background checks will be performed) or donate art or drama supplies.  She has applied for her 501C - it is coming soon!!  Julie would also really appreciate your prayers -- for those serving and those who will attend.

Oh . . .one more thing -- I think she sold 108 tickets (at just $15 a ticket) for the fund raiser . . .they had a raffle and a wine grab and you could just donate that night . . .and the group raised over $14,000 that night!  Woo Hoo - she is on her way.







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