Inspirational Teen Rocks for a Cause
This past Saturday approximately 100 teens spent the day in rocking chairs in front of area grocery stores.
Why?
Because five years ago, then 12 year old Jennifer Rubin wanted to do something to make a difference.
Jennifer was part of the D.A.R.E. program at her school. Police Officer Josh King invited her to volunteer for the Safety Town program and she got the idea for a fundraiser.
Her mom, Sarah, explained, “She looked at me with her big blue eyes and said, ‘This is a really dangerous job. How can we give back to them?’”
That’s when they got the idea for a Rock-a-thon to raise money for Backstoppers, which aids families of fallen emergency responders. Since the first year when she rocked and raised $751 to last year when 84 rockers at 15 locations raised $17,887. Over the years the Rockin’ 4 Relief has raised $45,718.
Jennifer describes the moment she finally stands up from her chair after rocking for 10 hours as, “one of the best moments of the year.”
As “friends, family and other supporters surround and cheer and hug her, and the fire engines and police cars parked nearby honk and sound their sirens.”
I think that sounds like a pretty fantastic moment for everyone involved.
I love the smile on Jennifer’s face.
There is joy in doing for others.
“Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.” ~ Booker T. Washington
There is a need that only you can meet.
“I cannot do all the good that the world needs. But the world needs all the good that I can do.” ~ Jana Stanfield
If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Romans 12:8-9
Take a few minutes to read more about Jennifer and the Rockin’ 4 Relief event here.
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