We met in the morning and found an area of shade. It was still hot! Like really hot. At the time of today’s game of catch this morning, it was already 81 degrees and humid. Hot, but not too hot for a game of catch with Hannah Giere, the Development Manager at the Community Health Network Foundation.
As we settled into a small patch of grass surrounded by office buildings, many owned by Community Health, I got out my gloves for Hannah to try on. She quickly found one that fit well as she shared that she hasn’t really played baseball before. No worries! The great thing about a game of catch is that everyone can play. It’s about having fun and enjoying a game while talking.
I enjoyed playing a game of catch with Hannah as I learned more about her. She grew up in rural Illinois before moving to Terre Haute for school and then Indianapolis for work. She has worked in the development and fundraising world for several years now. I appreciate her view on development for Community North. She said, “It’s not about buildings. It’s about people, programs, and assistance.” That’s such a great view to have. I wonder how that would help churches think about their own fundraising or stewardship efforts too.
For over a year now I have been driving past Hannah’s office not far from my church. We had never met before today. I’m so glad that a church member put me in touch with Hannah to make this connection not just for my catch playing fundraiser, but to make a new friend in the neighborhood. It makes me wonder how many people work nearby, live across the street, or walk by the church daily who I have never met. Maybe baseball is a way to connect with some of them. Or better yet food!
As you know, I have been asking every one of my catch partners who their favorite baseball team is. Hannah thought for a moment and said, “The Savannah Bananas!” I excitedly told her that was a first for my 21 days so far. Hannah said they are a lot of fun! On the Bananas website it states, “World Famous Baseball Circus. We make baseball fun. Fans First. Entertain always.” You can get a sense of who the Bananas are in that statement. Just as Hannah said, they are a fun baseball team to watch!
After 10 or so minutes of playing catch, we were getting warm even in the shade. A few minutes longer and the game was over. It was so much fun taking some time out this morning to play a game of catch with my new neighborhood friend, Hannah!
Stay cool today and this week!
Here is an update on the financial fundraiser for Gleaners. We are at $17,465. Thank you to everyone who has donated, played catch with me, and shared my fundraiser with others! I’m overwhelmed with the generosity of so many who helped to shatter my original goal of $15,420.
My new goal is $20,000. Let’s keep it going!
If you feel moved to share a financial donation for my Gleaners fundraiser, use the link below.
https://give.gleaners.org/fundraiser/4739257
Also, don’t forget to invite family and friends to join me for my Final Day of Catch Party behind the main church building near the playgrounds on Thursday, August 31st from 6:30 to 7:30pm. We will welcome Rowdie, the awesome mascot from the Indianapolis Indians, and will give out free popsicles. Join us for the celebration!
Here is the event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1226246214719825/?ref=newsfeed
Get outside. Play catch. Find something that brings joy and a smile to your face.
Thank you for supporting Gleaners and following my 30 days of catch!