Seed Grant: Pine Valley UMC

Youth Yield LOTS of Hope!

The youth of Pine Valley UMC in Wilmington tripled their fundraising dreams for ZOE’s Giving Hope Project by raising more than $8000.

Their objective was $2500, which is the cost of one Giving Hope home in Africa.  They constructed a house out of Plexiglas to represent their goal and as a central location for donations.

Fundraising kicked off on May 31 with announcements about this church wide project during worship services and the selling of ZOE ministry t-shirts.  The good work culminated on July 19 with a Silent Auction and day of celebration.  Sunday school classes were challenged to provide themed baskets for the sale.  Other items were donated by church members and friends in the community. During the auction a “gourmet” hotdog luncheon with desserts was offered by parents of the youth.  The luncheon was $4 per person and $1 for an extra hotdog.

The church came to gather as one family and to help make this event happen and the donations were very creative: game night themes, parents’ night out, a day at the beach and even a handmade quilt made by some of the youth which was valued as priceless.

Youth leader Kay Creech said that, “The day of celebration was amazing.  The turnout was incredible and the fellowship, hotdogs and dessert were even better. There is no doubt in our mind that the Lord had his hands in this entire event. With his direction and our purpose in mind we surpassed our goal times 3. The church as a whole was overwhelmed with the generosity and the spirit of giving that we felt as we helped raise money for the children in Africa.”

Learn more about the Youth Seed Grant Challenge program and curriculum.