An Inspired Evening at the Barn {recap}

A few weeks ago we held the “Inspired Evening at the Barn” event as a fundraiser for our adoption, and it was one of the most special nights I’ve experienced! This event was on my heart and in my head for 3-4 years, but when I first thought of it, I didn’t realize that it would be a fundraiser for us. I just knew that I wanted to host an event that inspired and blessed other women.

I had so much fun putting all the details together! My sisters-in-law Andrea and Heather and my friend Wanda Graham were my team who helped plan and execute everything, and I couldn’t have done it without them! Over 200 people attended, which blew me away.

I’ll just share some (many!) photos of the night and give some details in case you’re interested…

The event would not have taken place if the Stoltzfus Homestead hadn’t agreed to let us use their BEAUTIFUL new barn. They just recently turned the barn into a wedding/event venue, and they were so amazing to work with! Guests were greeted by my friends Chandra and Megan who took their names, and then they were entered into a giveaway to win one of my signs. I literally just shopped my house for decorations to use in the barn and kept it pretty simple. Old books, antique scales, garden ornaments, blue Mason jars, and white hydrangeas from my flower beds were the centerpieces.

I also was able to use decorations from my friend Caroline Lindsley who has a wedding rental business. I created a “Marketplace” in the corner of the barn. We sold my t-shirts, jewelry from O’Jolie Designs and Pearls ‘n Joy and framed watercolors that I painted. My friends Beth and Liz were in charge of the marketplace. We also had some items donated that were part of a silent auction. And, the food. Oh, the food. I chose to have some of my favorite things. Popcorn in inexpensive berry baskets on the tables for guests to much on when they arrived, fruit pizza, veggies and dip, cucumber sandwiches, and pressed picnic sandwiches. I bought these 5×7 kraft bags and printed the wording onto them using my home printer. Easy and really cute! They were favor bags filled with cookies for the guests to take home. My sister-in-law Andrea was the host for the evening, and she did an awesome job! I asked three really special ladies to share inspirational ideas on three different topics: the home, the kitchen, and the garden.

Janelle Stoltzfus spoke first and her topic was the home. I can’t think of anyone else who is more passionate about creating a home that feels special. She is pure love and you can just feel it when you’re around her!  Next, Wanda Graham (who is the queen of all things homemade) gave us some creative ideas to use in the kitchen. In between each speaker, we had a drawing for guests to win one of my signs. And then there were cupcakes! Lemon Raspberry. So yummy and refreshing for a hot summer day! Our next speaker was Jul Hoober who is an expert on creating beautiful bouquets using flowers from her home garden. She gave lots of great tips on flower gardening. She is such an inspirational lady and made me want to go home and dig in the garden! I was so honored that all three ladies agreed to speak at the event!They did a phenomenal job and I’m so thankful for them. And then it was my turn (cue stomach churning and sweaty hands). I talked about our adoption journey, how we arrived at the decision to adopt, and where we are at in the process. And now it feels like it was a dream. We felt so LOVED and supported by everyone who came, and in the end, we raised over $10,000!! It takes care of a large chunk of our adoption expenses and we were so blessed by not only the financial help but by all the encouragement we received. It’s been amazing.

THANK YOU to everyone who helped with the evening and for coming and supporting us! And thank you to my friend Kelly Smoker who took the photos for us. What an awesome night that was.