The Breakdown:
Tag Her Bag Raised $16,115!
This was by far the best fundraiser of the three that we have done. It was so, so much fun to see the signatures and read the words of love expressed on our little one's suitcase. This suitcase will truly be treasured for a lifetime. We still have several signatures that we need to collect from friends and family that live afar who donated but have not yet had an opportunity to sign!
While this bag will always be a tangible reminder to our daughter of the love that surrounds her, I have begun to see what an encouragement it will be for Andrew and me as well. As we make our two trips to Bulgaria, we'll be able to take a little part of each of you with us, cheering us on during the good and bad parts of those trips. I have already begun to imagine the flight home on Trip 1, after we have left our baby girl for what will be a 4 to 6 month period. This mama is going to be beside herself. But, knowing that you guys are with us, your words written plainly for us to see as we make our way home, will lift our hearts and our spirits at a time when they will desperately need lifting!
The Consignment Sale - Raised $830!
The Consignment Sale was A LOT of work, but I am thankful that I had the opportunity to take part in it. Through the sale, I felt like I was able to work toward bringing my baby home. Rather than simply asking people for money, I was able to use my time and energy to earn money that would help us in this race. That just felt good. We loaded up the car with $4500 worth of inventory and dropped it off on Thursday afternoon.
I definitely got in my workout for that day, loading and unloading all of the "stuff!" Thankfully, most of the big items sold: the red wagon, stroller/car seat, trampoline, etc.
On Saturday evening, we went back and picked up all that had not sold, which ended up being about 3/4 of what I had dropped off. It was mostly clothes, which we'll sell in the garage sale that we are planning to hold on May 3rd.
Would I do it again? Yes, but I think I would do it differently. I'd attempt to collect less clothes and more of the bigger items. Toys and books also seemed to sell well, so I'd try to collect more of those. I'd price the clothes lower and make sure the sale was at a location in Lakeland, rather than Bartow. The owners of The Acorns to Oaks sale are currently looking for a location to hold their sale in the fall and it sounds like they are hoping to have it in Lakeland. If we are not fully funded by then, I would definitely consider doing this again to get us over the final hurdle.
Facebook Auction - Raised $300!
This was EASY and raised a little bit of money, which was a nice surprise. I sold several of the smocked dresses as well as some cute handmade finger puppets. I still have several smocked dresses, jon jons, dolls, and more to sell. I may take part in another auction in the fall and try one more time to sell these beautiful clothes, adding the nicer stuff from the consignment sale that did not sell. I also have a beautiful Pottery Barn changing table and Bratt Decor Cradle currently for sale on Craig's list that were donated by a sweet friend. If anyone is interested in any of these items, just let me know!
So, I know you are dying to know where we now stand! Drum roll please….the final number that we are currently at as I type this post is $22,835!!!!!! Absolutely, positively amazing! Thank you, thank you, from the bottom of our hearts!
"I thank my God every time I remember you!" Philippians 1:3
