Driving around town this time of year, there are lots of signs announcing church bazaars, bake sales and parish boutiques; and, somehow, it puts everything back in perspective for me. It reminds me of what really matters — relationships, not material things.
A smile comes to my face as I think back on some of my experiences relearning that very lesson many years ago when I served on a parish fundraising committee at my Guadalupe Church. We needed money to keep things running — like lights and heat and water for the church.
Traditionally, we had raised money from weekly Sunday breakfasts held before and after Mass. While I was focused on how best we might increase our profit on these breakfasts by cutting back the food portions, everyone else was more concerned that people got a quality meal that included two tortillas, not one. After a lot of back and forth, I lost the argument, but the folks sure enjoyed the food and sharing the time together. We may have come out even on this fundraiser since much of the food was donated.
The committee came up with another moneymaking idea to hold a live auction of anything anyone could make or get donated. There were unique and modest donations like crocheted toilet lid covers, quilted placemats, napkin rings and a case of oil. I remember hearing the auctioneer holler, “Now, how much do I hear for this case of oil?” And from the back of the room someone who didn’t have a clear view asked, “Is that oil for the kitchen or the car?” Laughter trickled through the audience and everyone seemed to be having fun. When it was over, we gathered up most of the stuff and placed it in storage for the next auction.
Then there was the biggest event of the year, the New Year’s Eve dance. The group insisted on a live band, even though I pointed out that using the church sound system and some CDs would work great and bring a lot more profit. But, no, I was overruled again. The rest of the committee overwhelmingly agreed that the people would enjoy a live band much more. Everyone had a wonderful time with the live big band, but at $800 in the hole, we couldn’t afford many more fundraisers. Needless to say, I was not asked to be a member of any future fundraising committees. I did learn, however, that fundraising is about more than raising money. It’s about being together and enjoying the time together.
That’s why this time of year is so precious to me. A reminder to reflect and give thanks for the blessings we have. Looking closely, we find it’s not about things, rather the relationships and the daily vignettes in life with family, friends, neighbors, churches and community. Let us give thanks for our blessings, relish each day and hold on to each other.
Utah native John Florez served on the U.S. Senate Labor Committee, as Utah industrial commissioner and filled White House appointments, including deputy assistant secretary of labor and on the Commission on Hispanic Education. Email: jdflorez@comcast