It started with a challenge to give back. The EQHR Group Development retreat at Honey Creek is a program for priests and lay people to learn about emotional intelligence and group dynamics. As part of this program, they were challenged to work with their small group and do a project that helps a client. 

One group chose to make Honey Creek its "client," and sought to do something to improve our space physically and through fundraising. "They weeded and tilled the beds in our garden, which is a chore we were hoping to have done soon so we can plant for the Spring. They also managed to repair the wooden walls of one of our beds, a gift that makes the bed much more useful," said Savannah Young.

In addition to working outdoors, the group asked about trying to raise a little money to help us with one of Honey Creek's housekeeping goals: pillow covers for 50 donated pillows. "We realized that Honey Creek only needed $250 to make the donated pillows usable and we knew we could raise that amount," said the Rev. Melanie Lemburg. The Rev. Kelly Steele agreed and suggested using Facebook as the fundraising platform since they don't charge fees for nonprofit fundraisers and allow a barometer and sharing features. Within the first few hours, their online #flashfundraiser on Facebook had already almost doubled the goal. "We wanted to keep momentum going while encouraging more participation and awareness" said Steele, "so we adjusted the title and raised the goal amount to include monies for shower curtains and made a quick graphic on Canva.com to match the new title. "Beds, Baths & Beyond," the flash fundraiser, collected $1240 in 50 hours. "We think it worked because we asked for small ticket

Another team from the Honey Creek-focused EQHR weekend: from left: the Rev. Kevin Morris, Diocese of Long Island; the Rev. Jim Said, the Rev. Hunt Priest, Honey Creek Kitchen Administrator Linda Young, the Rev. Tar Drazdowski, and the Rev. Ashton Williston.

items, a discreet amount, and for a cause that resonates with our parishes and people. We think the platform (Facebook), wording (#flashfundraiser), barometer, time-table, videos and graphics encouraged giving. Thanking our donors was a huge priority, too. We 'liked' and sent messages to each and posted a 'thank you' photo to the page."

Honey Creek has a running list of things it needs to keep it hospitable, clean, and functional for guests. "Daily operations and housekeeping can be taken for granted, but the small touches like a fresh mat for wiping mud off your feet or replacing worn out pillows and shower curtains makes such a big difference at the individual guest level," said Young. "There is a never ending list, just like the ones we have at our homes, but it's on a much larger scale. Fundraising for these items makes it possible for us to actually replace and repair our campus in such a way people notice," she continued.

"Honey Creek would like to thank everyone who donated," said Dade Brantley, Executive Director of Honey Creek, "and we encourage more grass-roots level organizing for any future groups who can contribute their time or energy." He added, "This is how we change the world."