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Do a Fundraiser

"Third Thursday's" was a concept started In Alabama where three intrepid ladies took on the task of raising awareness locally about human trafficking and raising funds to support the work being done globally. 

Whether it's a monthly 'Third Thursday', 'Second Saturday' or a one time event -- this fundraising and awareness raising event is a simple way to help Make Way Partners and those at-risk to human trafficking!

As your volunteer team serves you can educate the community and raise funding for MWP!  Please contact us in advance and we'll mail you brochures to share with customers and volunteers!  Email:  info@makewaypartners.org or call: 205-240-8597!

Below read are refelctions from Third Thursday creators/coordinators on how this type of locally run fundraiser can work: 

Kim Harwell, Donna Henry, and Rita Lakeman started the Third Thursday concept in AL.  They gathered the Body of Christ in the Birmingham area to literally serve tables so that God's children might be rescued from bondage. 

"Donna Henry was the first of our group to hear of Make Way Partners.  Donna is a wonderfully sensitive, take charge person who is capable of getting things done.  When she told me about Kimberly's mission, especially the orphans in Sudan, and that there was a way to help , I signed on along with Kim Harwell. McAllister's Deli is a chain restaurant that had been open to a Make Way Partners fund raisers in the past.  We decided that we would approach them about having a similar fundraiser at one of their other locations that was closer to our church.  This deli is owned by Christians that were very willing to let us have the third Thursday of each month from 5:30 to 8:30pm .  They were also willing to donate 15% of their gross profit and 100% of tips if our members would volunteer as work staff.

Donna, Rita, and Kim

Our goal was to raise $2,000 a month to help feed, cloth and educate the Sudanese orphans. Aprons were donated by Terre Mauro from our church that say, “ Make Way Partners”.  Youth in our church placed flyers on car windshields to inform/remind our members, and Donna found volunteers to work serve at tables.  Posters were printed that we placed at various locations around the community and at McAlister's, we had placards placed on tables that explained the mission of Make Way Partners  prior to each 3 rd Thursday, and then we handed out flyers as people arrived and were waiting to order. We also had a Christian radio station that put it on their calendar and announced the fundraiser monthly.

And there are tremendous results!  Not only did we make money to care for the orphans but we raised awareness of the problem of human trafficking.  God has used this effort to touch many lives, mostly ours, with the response of friends and strangers.   Because this restaurant is near shopping, hotels and a Christian university, we've had people take these flyers back to their hometowns to tell others.  Customers who happened in one 3 rd Thurs. had it on their calendars to come each month.  And most of all, our dear church family was SO faithful to support this every month, some giving way beyond what anyone would hope or expect – sacrificially.

 Because of the generous donation of one Christian couple with a heart for hungry children, the mission has been able to take in 50 more orphans and provide food, clothing and education for them.  We appreciate all of you who have been so supportive of this effort!!”

From Rita Lakeman… “Third Thursday” Coordinator

 

"Food, water, shelter, clothes, not to mention education…  Can you even comprehend a life without any one of these?  My greatest concern for my children is what type of Kindergarten will they attend.  Do they offer computers, math, comprehensive reading...  Life in “my world” is rather simple.  Needs?  What are my needs?  …wants and needs are very different aren't they.

 We have been given a great gift as I see it, to help others who actually do have NEEDS.  Not everyone can go to Africa and physically and/or financially help all in NEED, but we have a way that you can help and it just so happens to be FUN.  On the third Thursday of each month McAlister's, allowed us to “work” for Tips and Sales.  The tips were where we receive most of our money.  We would bus tables, deliver food, sell cookies; refill drinks seat people, laugh, cry, visit with old friends and meet new friends.   There was energy in the room that one cannot describe unless you were there!  We had volunteers that would not miss a Thursday and many that were just waiting their turn. 

There were so many out there that want to do something that are “hungry” to help, but don't know how.  Volunteering for McAlister's and/or starting your own new “Third Thursday” or Second Tuesday…  is so easy.  You just need to come or step forward in faith trusting that God could use you and your community to make a difference for others.”

                                                                                        From Kim Harwell… “Third Thursday” Coordinator

 

If you are interested in starting a fundraiser in your area, please contact us to learn how!  We will joyfully offer support to you as you step out in faith to reach out to those at high risk of human trafficking. Together, we can make a difference!