Hi, my name is Tracy and I’m a control freak. But this weekend I was *reminded* I can’t control everything and that’s OK.
I spent all day Saturday staring at the weather on the NBC10 app. I was supposed to be busy preparing for a 60 person dinner I was hosting in my backyard to benefit Philabundance. But all day my focus was on the radar. I had rented huge tents but there were about 5 steps from my backdoor to the tent. What if it rained??!! All my guests will get wet. A tarp? Umbrella shuttle?
Everything looked so beautiful- the wildflower centerpieces and votive candles floating in lavender buds made by a friend, the donated cookie tray. The idea of the fundraiser was “Dine Out, Eat in”, as in – go out but eat in at my house and donate to Philabundance what you would have spent eating out.
Right on cue, as guest started to arrive, it started to sprinkle. Ugh! My guests took it all in stride and huddled under one of the tents sipping on cocktails and chatting. Seeing my stress, one of them said to me, “Look around, people are bonding – there’s good energy.” It was true, nothing like a little rain to bring people together. Then another person said —“this was almost better: if it hadn’t been raining people would have been all over the backyard, maybe some in the house and people would not have chatted with so many different people.” And yes, during dinner we had to move one table a bit further under the tent to keep the guests dry, but in the end – it was a terrific event.
I want to thank all of the people at Philabundance who supported this event and who attended to help others learn about the good work work of this organization. And I especially want to thank all of my friends who came with such open hearts and positive spirits. People offered ideas, offered to volunteer and everyone donated… I’m almost teary with gratitude.
So, filed under the category: things to remember for next time… “Not as planned, is sometimes better” So my control freak can take a break and just trust – all will work out.
Personal Note: I sit on the board for Philabundance. I’m determined to end hunger in our community.
The rain did keep us closer and helped us bond as a group. A great event…wonderful people…and your message was moving. Thank you Tracey for your commitment to help end hunger in our community.
Glenn