I distinctly remember the day my six-year old daughter Gracelyn said,
"Dad, I want to have a soccer party and a race."
There was no special occasion to celebrate, and it wasn't her birthday. She just wanted to invite some people over to our house for a little fun.
It was one of those moments when I knew I was just supposed to say, "Yes!"
Despite lots of rain and blustery gusts of wind, seventy-five people showed up at our 1300 square foot house for macaroni and cheese, chicken nuggets, carrots and homemade desserts.
We set up tents to protect desserts, and people from the rain.
A heaven-sent break in the rain occurred, so we played a little soccer, and lined up in the street for what would become the first annual "Grace Race."
After Gracelyn decided it would be an annual event, I asked her if she would like to do anything different next year.
Gracelyn thought for a moment and then said, "Hmmmm, how about if we ask everyone to bring a dollar for kids in other countries?"
The next year people brought even more than a dollar each. One thousand dollars was raised for kids in Syria, Somalia, and Iraq.
"Grace Race 2016" #KidsHelpingKids is set for Sunday October 2nd at 4pm at St. Bartholomew's Church in Nashville ( 4800 Belmont Park Terrace 37215). Bring a dessert to share, and whatever dollar amount suits you to support kids in Uganda.
The race is all of about 60 yards, but the fun and laughter last all day long.
Gracelyn will also provide an opportunity for kids to dream about who they want to help.
Let's be honest, there is nothing better than #KidsHelpingKids.
You can make a donation to the Grace Race by sending a check to our non-profit called Outreach Inc. Checks can be written to Outreach Inc. and are 100% tax deductible. The address for Outreach is 7015 Tartan dr, Brentwood, TN 37067. *we hope to be taking donations online by 9/30.
Team Williams hopes you are having a great year, and that you are "running your race with perseverance."
Blessings - Jeramy, Araya, Gracelyn, Lydia, Abigail, and Tekoa.