I Am Humbled To Be Her Mom

This last Saturday, June 9th, we celebrated our first annual Dinner and Silent Auction for the Kyla McCullough Gift Fund. A group of us came early and set up the auction room, the ballroom, and dressed up the billiard room just a bit with a few balloons. Our group helped set up the band, as well as arranged the tables in such a way that a dance floor could be visible. I looked down at my watch and realized I had about ten minutes to get myself ready. The group of women went into the bathroom, because you know we women travel together, and we started talking about small things in order to relieve the nerves from our minds. I got into my outfit and as I looked into the mirror to make sure all the tags were in and there were no loose strings, I had to take a deep breath. I had talked to God for so many days about this very night, and all of a sudden here I am. My hopes for the night had taken me so high, I was afraid to look down for fear of falling without a safety net.

I was now out in the ballroom talking to the band making sure everything was in place, the nerves still making their presence known, when I made my way to the back of the room. Out of the corner of my eye I saw my husband, he was dressed for the evening as well, with that smile on his face and I knew no matter what happened for the rest of the night... everything would be okay. The nerves were gone, I was at peace. The upstairs to the Black Point Inn, started to get full and before I knew it there were so many people that I didn't know where to begin to say hello. I tried to get to everyone as well as trying to make sure everything was going smoothly... I know I missed saying hi to a ton of people.


Seven o'clock rolled around which meant it was time for Bret and I to make our quick speech to the 120 people who were in the ballroom waiting for the evening to officially start. As Bret and I were trying to make sure we had our piece of paper which held an outline of what we were going to say, I asked Bret if I could chicken out. He looked at me and said, "NO!" So I turned around and started in with my speech... I welcomed everyone and told them that we were happy to have them there. I know I said some other things, but I honestly can't remember what I said, and no, I didn't follow my piece of paper. Bret then spoke and did all the thank you's to Lisa and Matt Ramage, Kelly Gettel, Stephanie Sisul, and my parents Curt and Yvonne Thies. Nathan Schmidt was called up to say a prayer to guide this night and our time together. He then did the 'shark' children's prayer, which was one of Kyla's favorite table prayers, and it was absolutely perfect. Bret and I thought it was time to tell everyone to have a great night and enjoy themselves as we escorted the first two tables to get their meals.

The food was great, the company was wonderful, and the atmosphere was just divine. The auction was a hit, the band was on point, and the bar was slammed. Bret and I did our best to keep up with all the different options thrown to us... do we sit and talk to more people, do we go into the auction room and bid on items, do we eat a little more food, do we take a moment to dance with each other, do we help with the bid numbers, do we take money for the wristbands, do we take photos of our friends? Nine o'clock was knocking so Bret introduced Wayne Harvey, who was our Make-A-Wish wish granter with Kyla. He was able to come and share some of his experiences with our group and tell him that there are so many other ways to make a difference in children's lives other then money. Shawna Peters was then asked to come to the stage and talk about her experiences with Make-A-Wish. She did a great job in letting people know that even though you may think being a wish granter would take up a lot of your time, it really doesn't. She let people know the reason she became involved with the organization is because of Kyla and wanting to help children who are like Kyla was.

After some tears were shed, the auction room opened up again so people could pick up their item that they won. The band started up again, and people went back to having a great time. The night ended early, well not early, just on time as a matter of fact. We were able to take everything down, stay and chat, and be out of there right when we wanted to... eleven-thirty. The night was perfect...for our first time doing this dinner and silent auction, it couldn't have gone any better.

As the next day came I woke up not really realizing what had just happened the night before. I got to thinking about Kyla, about her spirit, and about her strength. I thought about the night before and how I can see her being so proud of what we accomplished. Everyone who came, came for her. Bret, Lisa, Matt, Kelly, Stephanie, Curt, Yvonne, and I.... we put on this fundraiser for Kyla. She drove this function, through us... she was the one who gave us the strength at one in the morning when we wanted to go to bed, but didn't because we had to organize the booklets we had to give to people. Or the afternoons when I would look into our den and want to give up because there were so many auction items I could hardly walk to my computer. Kyla gave all of us the motivation to succeed.

Our goal for the night was to raise enough money for one wish, for one child to get his/her wish granted, which is $5,000. That night we raised over $16,500 total! We will be able to not only give one child a wish... but two. God is good all the time! Thank you to all who came to help these children find peace in their life, even if it's just for a week. Look at what people can accomplish when their hearts are in the right place. My daughter, Kyla, is smiling with joy... my daughter, Kyla, is proud of all of you... and I truly hope that my daughter, Kyla, knows that it's because of her that this has happened. I am humbled to be her mom...I would want no other job.