We caught up with Debe Colby, Interim Director of Outreach Ministries for First Presbyterian Church, to learn more about this awesome event. Among other things, Debe has spearheaded the efforts to organize this year’s event. So what exactly is ShareFest? “ShareFest is a weekend where people from different churches and denominations in the Grand Valley come together and serve the community, sharing the love of Jesus tangibly with…neighbors in a variety of ways.” They do this by taking on, or adopting special projects; for example, some groups adopt spring clean-up for entire neighborhoods, while others wash cars, clean windows, pull weeds, rake, or paint a house. The focus is on those in need, particularly the elderly, though one group makes care packages for Mesa State College students during finals weeks, so the scope varies widely. The work provided is completely free of charge with NO strings attached, and is a lifesaver for many - I’m sure!
Doug has been a big fan of Sharefest for years. “Every Spring I get excited when I see the efforts put in to help neighbors on Sharefest weekend,” he told us. “I’ve been meaning to get involved for several years, but each year I seem to be late in getting my list of projects turned in.” (Sometimes it can be really embarrassing to work with Doug.)
According to Debe, as of April 7th, there were still 117 un-adopted projects for the 2011 ShareFest, so if you have some free time on the weekend of the 30th, you may think about getting a group of friends together and pitching in. These projects can be viewed (and even adopted by you or your organization/group) on the official website, http://www.gjsharefest.com/. They also accept monetary donations for those wishing to contribute financially, even from Doug. Just remember to note whether the contribution is made to the broad Sharefest fund, or whether it should stay specifically with the First Presbyterian project funds.
Conversely, if you know someone who needs a helping hand (other than Doug), you can submit your need through their site as well. Submissions are closed for this year’s event, but just as surely as spring rolls around every year, so do the projects that come with it, and the need for helping hands. As long as participation remains strong, ShareFest is likely to return in 2012, so a special THANK YOU goes out to all those willing to roll up their sleeves and chip in!
Douglas B. May, CFA, is President of May-Investments, LLC and author of Investment Heresies .
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