From the Heart

Chapter VI

While Abel and Bailey were focusing on their fall semester of school, Carol was organizing fundraisers for the donors. Carol did consult the teenagers about important decisions. The most essential decisions the teens had to make were the locations of the fundraisers. All three agreed that the two fundraisers should cover across the U.S. In the end, Bailey and Abel chose California and New York. They planned to begin each fundraiser with a meet-and-greet and a picnic; after, Abel would provide dance lessons to the donors. Carol had everything prepared and scheduled when Thanksgiving break arrived. Bailey and Abel were set to fly to New York early Friday morning after Thanksgiving. Both teens spent Thanksgiving with their families.

The flight to New York arrived close to noon. They took a cab from the airport to Central Park. Upon their arrival, Abel and Bailey saw dozens of tables set up. Already, there was a line for the meet-and-greet. As they passed their donors, they gave them a welcome. This meet-and-greet was not intended to be for signing autographs. When their donors confronted Abel and Bailey, the donor introduced himself, or herself. The donor ended their meeting by giving contact information. Bailey and Abel wanted to keep in touch with their donors. Many donors showed an interest in volunteering, too. Most of their donors were adults, but there were a few youngsters. It warmed Bailey's and Abel's hearts to see their donors interacting during the picnic. Abel and Bailey went to each table to continue their conversations with the donors. The teens truly wanted to get to know these donors as people.

Bailey sat down at the table with a college professor and a surgeon. "Hello, thank you for coming. I hope you are enjoying yourself. You are Madison, the college professor. And you are Lou, the surgeon." "Yes," both adults replied, impressed. "I hope you enjoy the dance lesson. Abel is excellent." "I am excited; my husband is coming to learn how to dance with me," Madison gleefully answered. "My family is coming for the dance lesson," Lou answered happily. "Thank you for what you and Abel are doing. As a surgeon, I have met many young patients and families who struggle with a unique lifestyle. I know, and you guys know that money does not resolve everything for the families and patients. You two are giving these patients and families the missing element of recovering and living with their new lives. And I appreciate that you let me be a part of your incredible movement." "I must say you and Abel are two extraordinary individuals. You two are making people want to be better. Not everyone can make an impression on others to become better. You have made me a better person." Madison nodded his head to Lou's statement. "Keep doing what you are doing," Lou encouraged; "Keep true to yourself," Madison added. "Thank you; your words are why we continue our work. I have to say; you guys play a large role. People like you enable Abel and me to do this."

Abel's dance lesson gained many more participants than the meet-and-greet. For the dance lesson, donors had their families join them. Everyone gathered in a clearing at the park. Abel had recruited some dance friends, who lived in California. Abel began the lesson with the introductions of the teachers. "Everyone enjoy yourself! Do not feel pressure to perfect every move. Do not have the mentality of 'I am going to look like an idiot.' This dancing involves partnering, so communicate with each other. Let us have some fun!" Abel turned the music up and immediately went into teaching. Throughout the lesson, some of Abel's dance friends went around observing the students. If anyone needed assistance, the dance friends were there to help. Bailey decided to admire Abel's talent from afar. The dancing lasted for two hours. Everyone left with a smile on their face — no one left without saying their farewell to Abel and Bailey.

"Long time, no see," Abel greeted Bailey; Bailey smiled immediately. "Are you thirsty?" Abel asked; offering some of his water. "No, thank you. Today was about our donors, not us. It was our responsibility to make our donors feel important. Our donors want to know that when they are getting involved with the Foundation, they are doing something great. We want them to feel confident in offering their money; their money is used honestly. This gathering was for the donors to gain that confidence and that heroic feeling. It was our words that persuaded the donors." Bailey expressed her dedication. "The people we met today are not just donors and colleagues; they are friends. People we care about," Abel explained. "Yes, we were encouraging these people to believe in themselves and the Foundation. But, they encourage us, too. Their contributions allow us to do what we are doing, which we love. Also, their encouraging words remind us that what we are doing is great and why we should continue the Foundation." Abel smiled in agreement. "I got a few compliments, which made me feel like I was doing the right thing."

Abel and Bailey took a red-eye flight to California. The fundraiser was not scheduled until noon, and the plane landed in the morning. They decided to get breakfast. "You are dancing, so you should eat to have energy." Abel chuckled, "Thank you, I do not want to pass out in front of everyone. You know you should join me today in dancing." "No. I am not very good," Bailey said, frightful. "You are scared of making a fool of yourself," he was accusatory. "No," Bailey replied defensive. "You are actually a decent dancer." "You are just saying that to get me to dance with you." "Honestly, no. You are actually a good dancer. Do I need to give you the pep talk, I give everyone before they dance? I know you have heard my pep talk multiple times. You cannot start with being afraid of being embarrassed. You do not want to be a hypocrite." "Fine," Bailey replied, irritated. "We can even practice beforehand; we have time." Bailey gave Abel an icy look before going back to eating; Abel just laughed off her glare.

The fundraiser had an excellent turnout. They started with the meet-and-greet and continued into the picnic. Abel decided to sit with a therapist and a pediatric doctor. "Hello, Ken and Rachel. Are you enjoying yourself?" "Yes," they simultaneously replied. "Can I ask, what made you decide to donate to our Foundation?" "I treat sick children daily. I see the challenges that my patients and their families go through. Many of the challenges are emotional, mental, and some cannot be resolved. Your approach to helping these sick children and their families is the most beneficial to them. I want to help, but in the most beneficial way," Rachel proudly explained. "I am a therapist; I know the importance of caring for someone's mental health. You and Bailey consider and care about people's feelings. I want to help others, but I want to help others, who get full care and attention." "What you are doing is incredible," Ken complimented. "What makes this Foundation successful is you and Bailey's honesty and heart," Rachel added. "Thank you," Abel bashfully replied. "We do donate to the Foundation, but we would like to offer our services, too," Ken said. "If you ever need resources for the Foundation, we are at your service," Rachel spoke for all donors. "Thank you."

Once again, more people showed up for the dance lesson. Abel gave his pep talk before beginning. Abel observed that everyone felt more comfortable since Bailey was dancing. Since Bailey was not a professional dancer, everyone felt less intimidated. This dance lesson had Abel move around instead of staying in front. People enjoyed the dance lesson; they left with smiles. Abel received many compliments. "Did you have fun?" "Yes," Bailey said with a sigh.