It is easy to get caught up in the party scene with all the fun of designing elaborate settings, positioning exquisite accent pieces, adding the final touches to a tablescape for that picturesque dinner party, but for me, being an event stylist and planner goes a lot further. Moving past the glitter and glamour – which trust me, I am quite fond of – there’s a profounder purpose for what I do.
Yes, this post is about to get deep.
This past weekend, I attended a meaningful event hosted by ChristianWorks® for Children. It was the “27th Annual Celebrate the Children Dinner and Auction.” This phenomenal local organization aims to help children and their families meet and overcome difficult challenges in their lives, from divorce to the loss of a loved one, by providing a myriad of outstanding therapeutic programs. Not only did I attend, but I saw this fundraiser as an opportunity to give back. I was able to (and honored to) donate a special entertainment package to the silent auction this year on behalf of my new business Sarah Combs Events – up to five hours of my event planning and styling services for an event of the winning bidder’s choice. This is an important reminder to me about why I do what I do. I believe God blesses each of us with unique strengths and talents, and I can’t think of a better way for me to use the particular gifts and abilities God has given me than to share them with others, particularly during special occasions in people’s lives.
Colossians 3:17 – “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord…” Ultimately my “deeds” are done in His name, to glorify Him. My goal is not only to light up a room for a party, but to be a shining light to others around me so that they may see my “good works” and glorify Him, as it we read in Matt. 5:16. My favorite part and the key motivation in my job is when a client’s vision is actualized and everyone’s faces light up with joy in that moment. I view my work as helping people celebrate life and create memorable, positive experiences that leave them smiling.
I’ve made it a priority to use my skills in a way that benefits others through volunteerism and donation efforts in the past like doing design work for the American Heart Association’s Young at Heart program and decorating for the Thanksgiving dinner at CitySquare for the past couple of years, but being able to do so at this fundraiser not as an individual but as a business owner solidified this commitment that I intend to carry with me moving forward professionally.
My hope is that the money raised through my donated event package, along with the other spectacular items up for auction, will enable ChristianWorks® to continue its amazing efforts in the lives of many more families. Plus, I am already looking forward to working with the winner bidder! Stay tuned for a follow-up post about how the donated event services get put to use in the coming weeks.
Cheers!
