How One Simple Action Saved Us

From our AMWD Newsletter - click to read more:

It is hard to know the impact our actions have on the world. I want to share the story of the simple action that had the power to save A Meal With Dignity.

Many of us question our life choices, wondering if we’re doing the right thing. Is what we’re doing really helping anyone? Is all our hard work for naught?

By David Rutan

Will all this hard work planting seeds turn into anything beautiful?

The day that confirmed our purpose at AMWD was witnessing one of those seeds sprout a tiny blossom of hope and reassurance. We were indeed doing the right thing. A single action by a supporter showed us that our existence meant something.

I was teaching Joy how to download Donor reports when we came across a donation that was atypically through a different source than the website or a check. “What is this donation from?” Joy questioned. “That looks like Facebook,” I replied.

We found the donations section on Facebook and waited patiently as the report was generated and emailed. We opened the email, opened the report, and skimmed through, where we discovered donors we hadn’t noticed before.

Someone created a fundraiser for us! So, we dug in a little bit. Someone named Michelle made a fundraiser for AMWD for their birthday from Denmark, which prompted six others to donate to us as well through the fundraiser!

Michelle from Denmark was moved to action by her Father's homeless situation.

This was it. A total stranger found us. She wanted to help her homeless father out in San Francisco and found us. She created a fundraiser and was so inspirational in her ask that many of her friends pitched in.
This is that seed, this is that bud of hope. Joy was practically in tears as we realized the magnitude of what we found.

We immediately reached out to the donor and thanked her profusely, asking why she blessed us with her choice of support. She told the story of her father, half a world away, who she was just trying to help, along with others like him. Those suffering on the streets who can’t get a decent meal unless they trek to a shelter or food bank.

We represented hope for her, and she became the bloom that helped us realize we truly were on the right path. The hard work and seed planting were creating a positive change in the world.

This one simple and kind gesture of running a fundraiser reinvigorated everyone.

A Meal With Dignity is where we are now, growing and continuing forward with actions of hope, in large part because of this kind soul and kismet connection.

Remember that your positive actions truly do lead to change. You may not be aware of that change, and the people changed may not recognize your hand in it. In this instance we did, and we are forever grateful.

Joy Delivers Meals - Tent
Casey cuts veggies
David Rutan