IJM Benefit Concert

On Thursday, March 20, I hosted an IJM Benefit Concert at Natasha's Bistro in downtown Lexington.  I had contacted Nathan Angelo, one of my favorite artists, and convinced him to make a stop by Lexington to perform.  He allowed me to keep 100% of the proceeds.

The event was put together in about two weeks, and it was quite a whirlwind.  I depended a lot on my friends, who are hands-down the best group of girls in the world!  I am really lucky to have a solid group of girlfriends from college who literally love and support me in everything.  They are always willing to give their time, talent, and whatever else I ask for.  All of them posted all over social media for the few weeks leading up, one even dropped my name to the local news which resulted in a small segment highlighting the event on the evening news!  My friend Jesse helped with all the details and created a FB event to spread the word.  Others sold merchandise, some worked the photo booth with Cambodian themed props which will provide me with much needed support and encouragement while away, another manned the powerpoint so I didn't have to stress about technology that night.  And my super talented friend Blair took care of decorations, making sure that my information was displayed fabulously.  These girls were the first to arrive and the last to leave.  God is too good to bless me with each of them, and it's so bittersweet to step away from our lovely circle for a season.  But they give me the courage to follow my dreams and love that sustains me when I leave on adventures such as these.

Anywho.  The concert!

Man, it was so freaking fun.  It was incredible to see people from all walks of life there.  There were high school friends, sorority sisters, the girls from my high school small group at church, Judges I practice in front of and defense attorneys I argue against!  There were co-workers, bosses, long-time family friends, and family.  While sharing about IJM, I lost it for a few seconds as I looked out into the crowd and saw so many familiar faces there.  Never could I have imagined such an event that would bring everyone together; it was just incredible.

The music was fantastic.  The food was delicious.  And the bar was fully stocked.  We danced, laughed, took photos, hugged, and celebrated life, both the past and what the future holds.

At the end of the night, we raised almost $3,200!!!!!!!!!!!

I mean, tears, literally when I counted that night.  Fundraising has been so uncomfortable.  I hate asking for money; it's not my thing.  But as much as I'm saving from my own salary, it will not be enough for a whole year abroad so I'm fully dependent on the support of others.  It was such a successful night, but would not have been possible but for my community and the new friends I met that night.

So if you were there or you've given prayers or financial support, please accept my deepest gratitude.  Your money is going to bring light into some of the darkest places in this world.  It's literally going to save and protect lives.  Thank you for being faithful to God's leading and believing in me.  It means more than words could ever express.

Love each of you.

Here are some photos from the night.  Enjoy!

Decorations by Blair.

More decorations, so fun and beautiful.

The Ladies with Nathan Angelo and Steve Means

Phi Mu Rho Iota Ladies: Kelsey and Shelbie

Photo Booth Fun.  With my Dad and oldest brother, Kenny.

Rocking my sweet new Nathan Angelo t-shirt the next day.  He's amazing! Check him out on iTunes and Spotify.

FUNDRAISER THIS WEEK: On Wednesday, April 2 (11 am until 9 pm) at the Todds Road Buffalo Wild Wings location.  Come support IJM.  Tell your waiter you want to support IJM/Ashley Morgan, and I will get 10% of the proceeds!