Few Spirit of Hope members, perhaps no members other than Jim and Karen Gowan, knew anything at all about Cystinosis prior to the Annual Meeting, but many rose to the occasion in support of finding a cure at the recent Chili Dinner. But they would have been alerted to something big going on when they arrived for services that weekend, or for the Annual Meeting.
The Narthex was lined with tables, and standing along one wall, several TAG members stood with spoons and smiles, ready to hand out pickles, nacho chips, chili and toppings. Even though the TAGgers had pulled an all-nighter at the church the previous night, they grabbed a couple hours of sleep before lining up to serve chili in support of the Gowans and the Cystinosis Research Foundation.
Members filled the tables, enjoying the food and the camaraderie, while supporting the Foundation and young Caleb Gowan. Sometimes you rise above the moment, and in this case the event, while certainly in support of Caleb, was also a sharing of faith through the social event that had been organized, and all were touched by the words of Jim Gowan, given in thanks. This event was about going away "full" - of spirit and thanksgiving.
To learn more about, or to donate to the Cystinosis Research Foundation, go to www.cystinosisresearch.org. Your contribution is compliant with one of the Core Values of Spirit of Hope: We hunger to serve and respond to those in need!
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