On February 2nd, I was given the opportunity to speak at Douglass Cooperative! What an experience it was! I had assumed I would be speaking to many business men and women through out the county, but I come to find out my audience was about 50 special needs adults! I have to say speaking at Douglass Cooperative was life changing! I had no idea so many people in Sevier County is some how touched by someone with special needs. I had no idea there were so many adults with special needs in the area, and I only met with the ones that know about Douglass Cooperative. I had no idea how much a playground would energize so many special needs adults! As I presented the playground to them they were hooting and hollering with excitement almost like they felt they were finally being remembered!
After my presentation concluded the group presented me with $100 check for the playground. I could not believe it because I know most of them do not have jobs or money to spare, but yet they gave from their hearts! I held that check next to my heart because I know they gave all they had for this project, and they planned to give more. They plan to set up a donation jar just for Project Sevier and the playground. Not only do they plan to donate but they also want to help with the landscaping! They want to give back to the community, and I only pray others including myself give with such love and compassion as these special needs adults.
To close this blog entry, I said my goodbyes and started to head out the door when I felt a hand grab my shoulder, and then he said, "Here is another dollar for the playground." I left in tears because I could see in this gentleman's eyes he was giving all he had."
