Yesterday was a beautiful lesson in sharing, friendship and people’s generosity.  It was the 9th annual Great Family Gathering held by the Church of Christian Compassion along with Power 99 and WDAS FM. 

We had the whole family there from both stations and fed something like five thousand people from homeless shelters throughout the city.  Each year is a challenge pulling together so much during a time when so many are unemployed and struggling.  The day before the event – a promise of a good number of turkeys fell through at the last minute. Frankly it was upsetting at first. Then I remembered Dr. Kent M. Keith who said “People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered. Love them anyway.” Then I started calling my friends.  Seneca wrote, “Whenever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.”  Within a couple of hours I was able to raise enough money to almost make up for the shortfall.  Then I called the wonderful Paul Brauer who’s the Director of Community Affairs for at Brown’s Shoprite who made up the difference.

Cut to the next day when 3801 was transformed into a wonderland of welcome and good food. Organizer Bonnie Earl was running the show. The fine folks from The Church of Christian Compassion greeted the incoming men, women and children from area shelters like they were rock stars.  The food was flowing.

WDAS FM’s Patty Jackson, Mimi Brown, Tony Brown were there. Power 99 fm’s Eddie F., Shamara, Uncle O and Mikey Dredd along with Tazz Daddy took to the stage and reminded us that we make a living by what we get.  We make a life by what we give.