By Donna Cleveland
Who doesn’t love chocolate cake? The first time I ate a piece of Food For The Poor Executive Director Angel Aloma’s famous chocolate cake, I couldn’t resist boldly asking him for the secret ingredient. With a warm smile and a wink of the eye, he whispered, “It’s love!”
When a home-cooked meal by Angel, including his famous chocolate cake, was promised for the top fundraising team at Food For The Poor’s Join The Pack event three years ago, I couldn’t resist partnering with my dear friend, Pastor Fawn Mikel, to lead our very first team. That year, we came in first place. And yes, Angel’s home-cooked delicacies — including the chocolate cake — exceeded all our expectations!
More than all the excitement of being the top fundraising team at Join The Pack, I experienced that secret ingredient of love with each person I served alongside… our team, members of other teams, and especially everyone associated with Food For The Poor.
I have been blessed, honored and overjoyed to travel twice to Haiti with Food For The Poor and dear friends, as they continue to be God’s hands and feet to feed the hearts and souls of those in need. There is not an experience, staff member or dedicated volunteer with this organization who doesn’t share God’s love and the desire to serve.
One example of love that occurred after I joined the volunteer family at Food For The Poor was the welcome call I received from one of the “prayer angels” on staff. The call came on a particularly difficult day. When a voice on the phone asked, “May I pray for you today?,” I broke down in grateful tears. The calls still come and I cherish the prayers and outpouring of love each and every time.
This year, even before the official announcement for the next Join The Pack event was made, I received phone calls from previous team members to remind me to let them know about the event. The love continues.
Please do not hesitate. Sign up today to be a part of the next Join The Pack event. Or better yet, experience the joy and love of leading your own team. I promise, my friend, your rewards will exceed your love for chocolate cake!