Were you one of the 350 people who showed up this past Tuesday to rally around Springfield kids? (Maybe you can spot yourself in the crowd up there!)
If you had to miss this year’s Spring Dessert, or if you want to share the experience with a friend who couldn’t make it, here’s a short-and-sweet highlight reel of the evening.
First off, the desserts! Who could resist an incredible spread of cookies, pies, cakes, smoothies, cupcakes, and more, all donated by 20 generous local businesses?
(These are the “before” pictures! “After” pictures … mostly just crumbs.)
As the evening kicked off, all 350 of us had two minutes to act like middle schoolers who were each facing a different challenge, like homelessness, parents who were addicted, or being bullied. Tables reflected on what would have helped them in their role. Here are a few thoughtful responses:
In addition to speakers Sara Dixon, Pastor David Cotto, and Faith Bosland, the message of why kids are worth fighting for came from staff member Eryca Testerment’s testimony as a former SCYM kid. Current SCYM kid Becca shared her story of how STARS and Eryca have made an impact on her, and how she’s helping kids now, in this moving video:
Finally, three community leaders shared their stories about growing up in Springfield, and how they would challenge our community to think about our kids, in this video:
And finally, this slide highlights what it costs to taxpayers for one young person who experiences teen pregnancy, drops out, or is incarcerated as a teen or adult, for one month, compared to one month of SCYM programs.
So if you missed the SCYM Spring Dessert but you’d like to be involved or help in some way, there are lots of opportunities! To make a gift, one-time or monthly, just click here.
If you’d like to get involved, here are a few opportunities, including Camp Boost this summer from July 27-31.
If you’d like to join us praying for Springfield kids, here are some ways to start.
And finally, if you’d just like to stay in touch with SCYM, click on over to sign up for monthly emails, or get regular updates on Facebook.
We are hopeful about Springfield, and about our kids! Let’s join together to fight for them until they reach their fullest height and their greatest potential.