First Annual Global Mission Dinner and Auction (2008)
On Sunday, April 6th, a wonderfully diverse group of people came together to put 102 Tanzanian AIDS orphans in school for a year and help build a home for a family in Mexico. And they never left Cupertino. How? They opened their hearts and checkbooks at Bethel’s first annual Global Mission Dinner and Auction. By the numbers, the event was a roaring success with a total attendance of 145 people and a total of $6,077 raised to aid our strategic mission partners in Tanzania and Mexico. However, the most important outcome cannot be counted—the simple yet cascading energy created when we band together and grasp an opportunity to make the world a different place. Infectious joy and shared purpose were the greatest achievements on this brilliant night.
The evening began with a truly incredible meal of homemade Mexican cuisine featuring the most delicious tortillas this side of Guadalajara. The chefs for the evening, our own Saul and Anita Inda, received a rousing and well-deserved standing ovation at the end of evening. After the meal, Pastor Rick Sherrill and Tom Hoegel told stories of how our dollars translate into changed lives in far-off places. This spurred some furious bidding wars at the silent auction tables. Each and every item up for bid was donated by a local business. See the impressive list of those who donated. At the same time, others could be found in deep contemplation over how to distribute their tickets among the many available “raffle baskets.”
When the clock struck zero on the silent auction, dessert was served. This was no ordinary taste sensation but something that fit perfectly in the context of the evening—Tanzanian grilled bananas with ice cream and fresh fruit. The overwhelming response was, “Wow!” As the wisecracking auctioneer, Davis Fields, announced the winners of the silent auction and drew the winning raffle tickets, the energy in the room reached a new high. And then it was time for the live auction.
As the bids flew around the room for weekend getaways, winery tours and even an airplane ride, hearts raced and grins were replaced by wide smiles. One participant commented, “It just felt great to be in the room.” It always is when God’s good work is being accomplished in huge ways.
Plans are already being made for the second annual Global Mission Dinner and Auction on May 3rd, 2009. In the meantime, if you would like to help put a Tanzanian AIDS orphan in school or help build a house in Mexico, there is still time to pull out your checkbook and make it happen. As Nike used to say, “Just do it!”
