Through this event, we have seen many lives changed for the better. This year, we enthusiastically supported 200 children and their guardians! Our focus was not only on toys for the children and gifts, but more importantly on essentials of life to enhance quality. This event surrounds the desire to provide opportunities for the families to spend time together reinforcing the much needed concept of unity. With the help of supporters such as you, we will continue to make a positive change not only in our own lives, selfishly, but also in the lives of others.

At MSL, we perpetually evolve and advance our purposes inclusive of focusing on the person who is doing the deeds, rather than just the recipient. “A man who as a physical being is always turned toward the outside, thinking that his happiness lies outside him, finally turns inward and discovers that the source is within him.” -Soren Kierkegaard.

I hold close and thank God daily for how blessed I am and the opportunities afforded to me to help others. Being conscious of what our world is going through, the people here locally that are challenged, and the hurts in each one of us all, and then knowing that for one incredible night, we were all bound together in love and brought into a light of temporary amnesia; blinded by pure genuine compassion for one another – acting as Jesus so desires of us and loving our neighbor, as an act of thankfulness to HIM and a grace filled birthday gift. Happy Birthday Jesus, Merry Christmas Grand Rapids, and thank you to every single hand, thought and prayer that made 2012, “I Dream Beautiful” just that.

May God bless each of you and surround you with His love and Favor.

Brady Schmitz – Founder

Date – 12.16.2012
Number of Children – 187
Number of Families – 62
Location – David D. Hunting YMCA