Our host, Marla's thoughts on this Friday's Dinner Event

How often do we hear the morning headlines about another child that has fallen into the hands of abuse by someone they love and trust? I know personally when I hear these reports I may shed a tear or nod my head in disbelief, but unfortunately life takes over and you go about your busy day. This Friday we want to make up for those moments, and give these children a voice. This monthThe Dinner Project will be honoring Jonathan’s Place of Dallas. For 15 years Jonathan's place has been providing a 24 hour emergency shelter for abused, abandoned and neglected children, serving newborn to 17 years of age. They also provide a Foster and Adoptive Family Program, as well as a Residential Therapeutic care for young girls that require a higher level of attention.

To help provide the basic necessities for the children, Jonathan's Place accepts in-kind donations. They constantly have a need for personal hygiene and paper products such as paper towels, toilet paper, paper plates, paper cups, etc. So this Friday we are asking our guest to bring personal hygiene and/or paper products to the dinner. Since Jonathan’s Place provides amazing care and comfort to children, we thought comfort food, would be an appropriate choice for the evening.

Bring your best dish and in-kind donation and we will see you at The Dinner Project!

Forgive me Followers...

Forgive me Dinner Project followers as it has been 44 days since my last blog. That is what it feels like for me to sit down and blog...like going to confession and admitting all my mistakes. While it is painful for me to get in and get it done; once I am done it is cathartic and I am at peace with the world again.

So the BeadforLife event raised close to $3000. The food was great, the people I met were awesome and I am gearing up for another fantastic night this Friday.

Comfort Food...now you are speaking my language!! Mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, chocolate cake...Boo--yah! Not only are we eating my favorite foods, but helping a charity that is helping kids--Jonathan's Place. I like how we are changing it up...I mean cash is always good for charities and if that is what you decide to do--great! But, I like the idea of in-kind donations because it gives me a sense of well being; as I know exactly where my money is going and how it is helping. From the jpkids.org website, they state they are in constant need of paper and personal hygiene products--makes sense--"cleaning supplies" and kids--just like peanut butter and jelly!

Recently, I went to lunch with some co-workers. We started talking about our September charity. I am not exactly known for my sensitive and what I call my touchy-feelie side. Just a warning...if you are coming to me for sympathy then you have really scraped the bottom of the pickle barrel, my friend. However, we started discussing Jonathan's Place. A place that takes in and cares for abused, abandoned, and neglected children. I recalled stories I saw on the news, read in magazines, or even my own fears for my children if something were to happen to me or my husband. Tears welled up in my eyes and I got a little choked up which really stunned my friends (who by the way later mentioned it to my husband who couldn't believe what a "weepy mess I have become in my old age!") Watching the Jonathan's Place video on our website gets me choked up. Thanking our board member, Marla, for picking and hosting such a wonderful, local charity gets me choked up. Carting toilet paper, shampoo, and a dish of red beans and rice to share with some good friends on Friday night....well, that puts a smile back on my face!