Our top fundraiser for the Run for Mercy 2012 was one of our own former residents, Patricia! We were so impressed by her efforts that we invited her here to share from her heart about how – and most importantly, why – she raised more than $5,000 for the freedom of other young women and won a brand new Kobo Vox e-reader at the Run for Mercy.
Wow, the Run for Mercy was so amazing. I have wanted to go to one for a few years now but I always seem to miss it. This one meant so much more to me as I had actually been to the program and realized what a difference it really made.
This was my first time in my life fundraising. I never expected to to achieve that much money. I started off with a goal of $1,000 and thought I could attain this one. After one month I did, then a week later I made it to my next goal of $1,500, and then a few days later I was up to $2,000. Then I thought, “why not try $3,000?” and got that in a week. I thought, “why not do the impossible and make a goal of $5,000 in the next 8 days?” It happened literally at the last minute.
I told people how after I got home I realized how much the Mercy staff really loved on me, and that helped me see and accept God. Mercy really helped a lot, and with them and God, I have transformed into a new person that everyone in my life has never seen before. I am actually able to be happy, and I want to live life. I know I have God, and Mercy, to thank for that.
With my passion for Mercy, I really wanted to give back. I asked people in my life to give what was on their hearts from God to give and, well, they gave big. My family and friends were really into it, too, which helped with getting me donations. I have to say when I prayed to God, I asked him to do a miracle and do the impossible and help me raise $4,500 and I could contribute the rest. Praise God because when you believe in Him, He comes through in a huge way.

What an amazing job Patricia! We’re so proud of you and all the the Lord has done in your life!
Patricia, you are such a blessing to Mercy
May God bless you big time!!!
Thanks Mike and Cherilynn for your comments, I give all the glory to God