Hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of people from our fantastic community came out to support the MacCallister Six.
The food was great, but the people were even better. As two of us stood at door and welcomed everyone as they waited in (long) lines to get their tickets, I was in awe of the crowd. Not only were the friends and family of Jerry there in full force, but so were dozens and dozens of people who hadn't met a single MacCallister before at all. But as they had read his story or heard of it through someone else, they were compelled to come.
And for all of these folks, old friends and new, we are all so grateful to have seen you there. Thank you to ALL who came. The sense of community and love was magnificent, and for Jerry to see all of you with his own eyes....well, that was overwhelming. But overwhelming in the best way that you could imagine.
Initial totals show just over $14,000.00 raised to support Jerry as he recovers, and there is no way to put a price tag on the encouragement and hope that were also given.
So to our brilliant community, from Jerry, Dennis, Katie, Josh, Janea and Jessica.....thank you.
To Sherri, Kris, Jennifer, Gary, Sharon and Leanne, and all of those who worked alongside them, thank you.
Words are not nearly enough.
For the family,
Marci
13 comments:
Well, I don't know if words can express how I felt tonight. As I stood serving speghetti to an endless line of awesome people, I was just amazed and honored to be a part of an amazing community, supporting an amazing family. The highlight of the evening was when the bay door of the fire dept. rolled up and the MacCallister family was there before us, including Jerry. It was such an awesome feeling having him "home". I can't say enough about all the voluteers and the community support that was there tonight and from all that could not be there tonight. It was greater then all of us. This is only the beginning of greater things to come. Jerry we believe in you. You are a miracle. We are all here for you. Much love and prayers.
God is beyond us.. and I am glad that our lives are in His hand rather than ours.
I can't even explain how I felt tonight. The turnout of this dinner was amazing. I am so happy that I was able to be part of it. This valley would do anything for you guys. I love you Jerry and the rest of the family. Just as my mom said in her comment, Jerry we believe in you! Stay strong : )
We're all here for you.
Salina Bridges
WOW, Kris, Sarah, Kris Mom, leane, Mary and Mark, You all rock! That raffle was the best ever! I have never seen anything like that.
Jerry keep smiling. You have an amazing fundraising crew and a more amazing family.
Wow! Last night!!
The MOST beautiful night! Beautiful people!!!
I too am Speechless!..lol husband & teens here delighted 'bout that! LOL! Happy speechless!
Going to go Thank God now!
I'll be back, can't stay speechless for long! :)
S.F.
I second the first message... the outpouring of love felt in the room as we served each one of you coming through the line, looking out at tables of hopeful faces and then hearing the bay door opening to reveal the "surprise guest" that I had heard a squeak about earlier in the evening to the roar of applause was amazing. Seeing the tearful, hopeful expressions was absolutely priceless... Jerry, keep inspiring us with your feats. McCallisters, keep inspiring us with your love. We, as a community will keep hoping for you with our support. I'm so proud to a member of this loving community...
Get 'er Done!
Angela
I cant even explain in words how awsome it was too see the turnout of the dinner, im so happy to have been able to be apart of it and im very proud of the hardwork both my parents and all the other amazing people put into it. The community that was there to support was fenominal. when i heard the applause of hundreds i was completely speechless and couldnt control my emotions, it was so so good to see your smiling face jerry and the strength and determination in your eyes, There has not been a day where you havent been on my mind or in my prayers. Stay strong and never give up.
I hope to be able to talk to you or hear from you soon.
Xoxo
Colleen Martinez
"Dumbfounded" that's me!
Dennis has been telling me about this "Mayberry-like" community of Ben Lomond for years. Now I've seen it with my own eyes.
Wiki says the population is about 2,400. I think I met most of them last night at the Spaghetti Dinner for Jerry and his family.
The night was cool and the line was long waiting to get into the fire house. Once inside everyone bought raffle tickets and Following Jerry wrist bands to support "one-of-their-own".
Then they sat down with their friends and family to enjoy a wonderful dinner served up by more "friends of the family".
I asked Dennis "how many of these hundreds of people do you know?" His answer was "almost everyone".
It was nice to see the family together again surrounded by the love and support of virtually the entire Ben Lomond community. It's obvious to me this is a very special place where miracles happen on a regular basis.
Thank you for supporting my brother and his family.
Absolutely, Frank! ..The bloom of community among those "circle of friends" was terrific!
As was the bright clear sky during the daylight approach to the dinner, and that heavenly smiling full moon, which acted as a beacon to the parking lot!
A marvelous spirit was shared by all!
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May I repeat here, the thanks I heard so often last night, for the generosity and effort of the people of the Fire House, ..and to that wonderful kitchen crew!!!
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I'm telling you! ..That spaghetti was tasty!! ..The noodles were firm! ..The salad was crisp, and the croutons crunchy!! ..The garlic bread I was handed was warm, and the banana bread sweet!
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..and over it all, bluegrass harmonies! (Thanks to the band!)
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I thought it couldn't get better!
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..Then, of course the door rolled open, and we were all able share Jerry's warm red smile, and let him know personally how much he means to each of us.
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It was a community barn-raising, to be sure, ..and I'll bet God was smiling upon the result!
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"..Great job BOULDER CREEK!!"
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"Great job to ALL prayer givers!"
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"Great job Redwood Christian Park!"
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"Great job Dennis, Katie, and kids!"
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"Great job Jerry!!"
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(..Happy Sunday, everybody!)
I tried to post this last night but was so emotionly drained. It was happy emotions I might add.
Ed, Gabe, Luke and I sat at the kitchen table telling stories of all the people we hadn't seen in ages. The community that supported this event were awesome.
I'd personally like to thank coach Matt Ryan from Harbor High Cross Country and Track teams for coming out to show support for Jerry. If you don't know Matt, he was injured 2 weeks after Jerry's accident and ended up with several vertibrae in his neck having to be fused. (Sorry I cried when I saw you Matt, but they were tears of joy.)
Anyway MacCallisters, you are loved and I am proud to be considered a friend.
I might add that this is only the beginning. Lord let there be more events to come.
Gretchen
Oh I almost forgot, please read Matt Ryans story at:
www.mattryanrecovery.blogspot.com
He is a heck of a guy and has offered Jerry any PT he might need later on down the road.
I was so disapointed that I could not be at the spaghetti dinner last night, it sounds like it was a wonderful night. It made me tear-up just reading all the comments. You have a fantantic community.
I am so greatful to all of you for taking such good care of my family.
Love
Grandma & Grandpa
I was so disapointed that I could not be at the spaghetti dinner last night, it sounds like it was a wonderful night. It made me tear-up just reading all the comments. You have a fantantic community.
I am so greatful to all of you for taking such good care of my family.
Love
Grandma & Grandpa
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