Shelby’s Way what a year to review….

Golf at Kearney Hills Golf Course was a pleasant spring day in the Bluegrass,Jim Chapman taking a swing

Swingin’ Fore Shelby Golf Scramble team awards

Shelby’s Way what a year to review…

2014 for Shelby’s Way and the different programs that we go out into the community with was not only a earning experience,but a learning experience.I never new the different hats you may put on during the day managing a 501c3 non-profit,sometimes you seem like a politician and others an advocate,you yearn to share delicate information and minister to folks the best you can,then the next minute your a businessman trying to raise money and find sponsors for each event.Your a accountant watching every penny you spend and your a charitable giver trying to change society loving on folks seeing to their needs….its hard.I never want Shelby’s Way to be bogged down with business,but i know its necessary.I am at my happiest when we are throwing a event to gain awareness and finances,I love sharing with folks watching them have a good time and at the same time seeing fellowship with one another and our community grow.
This year that community showed so much compassion and love to those around them by attending and sponsoring each event Shelby’s Way had.Our Swingin’ Fore Shelby golf scramble was very new to me…I have never been a golfer,but we raised over $3,500.Our biggest event of the year is the Hot Rod Hullabaloo and Shelby’s Hot Rod Get Together this was our 8th year for the event,but first year in Lexington,Kentucky.The Hullabaloo is free for participants and spectators,so we rely totally on donations at the gate and merchandise sales.Hot Rodders and Drag Racers have big hearts and love to give back,we raised a little over $10,000 after expenses for the event…we need more sponsors for next year.
The Joe Lefaive “Ride for Life” was a new event this year in memory of one of our board members (Husband) Christina Lefaive.We raised another $4000 and learned that our bikers love to participate and give in a big way.Shelby’s Way 3rd Annual Blankets & Blessings drive for our homeless filled a 20 foot box truck,with all donations going to the Hope Center here in Lexington.With the money raised we were able to bring awareness,educate and help those grieving loss by suicide with our Outreach program…Outreach comes at different times it maybe by appointment,at one of the many events we attend across the midwest or may come at one of the events held by Shelby’s Way (even in the middle of a grocery store).Finances raised this year helped folks in other areas of need transportation,food,insurance,medical and even personal loans.Without the Love and support from private individuals or our many supporters we could not take the steps we have in being their for hurting hearts.Shelby’s Way is new and we are learning as we go and grow.