8th Annual Family Fun Walk 2023
On September 9th the MJM community came out in record numbers to offer their support during our 8th Annual Family Fun Walk and Auction. Over 300 guests showed up at Reidsville Christian Church to celebrate Mount Jubilee and to support our Heroes and their families.
The day began under cloudy skies as participants made their way to the registration table to pick up tee-shirts and begin renewing old acquaintances. Warm ups for the 5K walk were led by Peter and Emily Dodge and His Path Hero Rachel Gains led the crowd in the signing of our national anthem.
Smiles and enthusiasm was prevalent as the walkers headed out South Park Drive, being led by a fire truck from the Reidsville Fire Department. Each intersection was manned by Reidsville Police Officers to ensure safety and directions. Cruising through the neighborhoods, MJM supporters could be seen waving to many gathered on front porches as the throngs of people walked by. Unlike last year, the rain held off during the walk, but the bottom fell out just as the last walker made his way under the breezeway of the destination.
The traditional barbecue lunch cooked by master chefs Doyle O’Bryant and Jeff Strader is always a crowd favorite. Baked Beans, slaw, hush puppies and banana pudding rounded out the delicious meal. Before turning their attention to the business of the live auction, a tribute video to the memory of Loretta Burgess, spoke deeply to the hearts of all in attendance. Loretta and her husband Andy were with the original founders at MJM’s inception in 2005 and widely known for their passion for the special needs community and their theatrical Bible stories at camps across several states.
A silent auction consisting of greeting cards and beautiful arts and crafts made by His Path Heroes caught the eye of many people. Jim Isley, with the help of several Heroes, once again ran the auction which has been a crowd favorite for 8 years. A lively auction ensued and a highly successful online auction was also held the week following the Family Fun Walk.
Beginning with a $30,000 goal eight years ago, Mount Jubilee has exceeded its fundraising goals each year, and this year was no different. With a monumental goal of $200,000 (twice that of last year’s goal), MJM was able to raise in excess of $213,000! Paving the way again this year were over 60 event sponsors who contributed over $135,000 to the event! Our Fundraising Teams collected over $53,000 from hundreds of donors and nearly $20,000 was raised from the auctions and a love offering!
We thank the Lord for His incredible provision, which includes all of you who have drawn alongside the ministry. The mission of MJM is clearly ringing out as we are changing the way the world views adults with special needs.