A Message from Susan at the 2024 Talent Show
Since I met Sloan almost two decades ago, he has ushered me into a more authentic way of seeing the world, myself and others. Here’s another picture of us from 2008. Sloan is in the foreground, so full of life and exuberance. And I’m in the background, just relishing the chan
ce to stand in his light. Sloan, I’m so honored to be part of your story, and for you to be part of mine.
Many of us carry, even subconsciously, the misconception that there are major and minor characters in life, that some people’s stories matter more and some less. Reality Ministries exists in defiance of that lie. We know that no one is created for the margins, that each person is invaluable, that our lives are mysteriously and wondrously woven together. When all the strands of different ways of thinking, doing & being in the world come together, a tapestry more rich & layered than anything we could have imagined comes to life.
Reality community groups have been using homemade looms lately to talk about this interweaving our lives and stories. The loom is what’s on our t-shirts this year. As groups have gathered this fall, pairs of Realty friends have taken turns describing their particular friendship-how they met, what they appreciate about each other, what their relationship means to them. Each strip of cloth on the looms represents a unique person and their lived experience, and particular sweet journey of friendship at Reality. Friendship in a population where the risk of isolation and loneliness is high. THIS is what Reality is all about. Joys/sorrows, hopes/fears, highs/lows are shared over time, and in every exchange the threads of our lives bind us to one another.
Some of us, like Sloan and me, have known each other for many years. The participants you’ll see coming up on the screen now each started Reality 16 years ago (the first picture of each pair is from 2008) and are still here (the second picture in each pair is from 2024). As we’ve grown from the couple dozen friends of the early days to the current 256 participants, we’ve continued to treasure, nurture and strengthen our dear old friendships day in and day out. AND we’ve delighted in every person who’s come in the years since, bringing their unique story and brilliance to us.
Last year here at DPAC, I shared that we had lots of people on a waiting list, standing by, hoping for the chance to bring their lives and stories into this community. This year, thanks to the generosity of our donors AND the stream of new volunteers (we’re at 187), we’re bringing in folks off the waiting list. We’ve been chipping away..18 new participants have joined in the past 12 months. And as long as volunteers keep coming, we’ll keep welcoming! Please go to the Reality website to check out volunteer opportunities; maybe next year you can be up here on the stage!
As we continue to write, live and expand the story of RM, AND as we continue to serve as a bridge between ppl with and Without IDD, a place where people who wouldn’t cross paths in their regular lives to meet, as we continue to go deeper in knowing and being known… we continue to depend on your contributions to make it possible. I enthusiastically invite you to contribute enthusiastically!
The buckets are coming! You can write a check or put cash into the envelope in your program and drop in the buckets now being passed.
As you see on the screen, you can also give by text 2024SHOW to 44321 as shown, and floor the prompts. OR You can Venmo @realityministries.
Whether you offer a gift tonight or not, please put your contact info on the envelope and drop it in the bucket, so we can stay in touch and keep you in the loop!
There are close to 2000 people here. Subtracting RM participants and their caregivers, let’s say 1500 ppl in the audience. Last year with a similar crowd, 213 people donated at the show. Their gifts ranged from $10 to $6000 (there was only one of those:). They were mostly in the $50-$200 range. WHAT IF everyone here right now gave something.? We would easily far surpass what was raised last year. The show is free. With everyone pitching in, we could raise $150,000 ger and now, and that would go a long way toward ensuring the ongoing flourishing of this extraordinary community as it is, and as it will be in the days to come.
IF you can give a few thousand, please do! If you can give a few hundred, please do! If you can give a few dollars, please do! Would you take out your checkbook, your wallet or your phone, and do what you can now, whatever that is?
If you miss the bucket as it comes by, they will also be at the doors during intermission and after the show.
Now you feel free to stretch your legs, and hurry back to your seat, to continue the celebration! Thank you!