The Pavelka Family: Culver's Night!

Last Thursday evening was our Culver's Night fundraiser in Minooka. Sam and I were so amazed, overwhelmed, and overjoyed by the incredible support shown by our friends, family, and community. From 4-9pm, Culver's was packed! We couldn't believe how many wonderful people came out to support us. We have so many people to thank, but where to start?!

First of all, we'd like to thank Culver's for allowing such an event to take place. From the beginning of the planning stage, we have heard that they were very easy to work with and receptive to any ideas that Erica had.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support us that night. We especially want to thank those who came from a long distance. We were able to spend the evening chatting with friends, family, co-workers, MCHS students, neighbors, and Minooka residents. We were even paid a special visit by the mayor of Minooka! We know how rushed a weekday evening can be, so we really appreciate everyone who took time to come out and show their support.

Thank you to everyone who made a donation into the donation jars. Most of the donations were made in cash, and so we will never know who you are... but please know that your contribution means so much to us. We are extremely touched by everyone's generosity!

There were quite a few wonderful people involved in the planning and execution of the event. We would like to thank Jen for putting together donation jars, and Elaine for setting up the raffle and making us the ADORABLE baby/toddler items!

Thanks to everyone who helped serve at Culver's that night: Erica, German, Adam, Tony, Jen, Elaine, Lydia, Ross, Tonya, Jackie H., Jackie K., Denise, Carli, Katie, Katie's friend (sorry I forgot your name!), Shannon, Julie, Amy, Christi, Renee, and Avery. If I forgot anyone... please forgive me and let me know that I forgot you so that I can edit this and add your name to the list! You all worked so hard and definitely deserve to be thanked by name!

And of course, the biggest thank you of all goes to Erica Martinez, for coordinating this event. Erica worked so hard in setting up this event, getting t-shirts made, driving around town to get gift card donations for us, setting up our fundraising website... the list goes on. You've been amazing to us during this difficult time. Truly, having you by our side during this whole ordeal has brought us so much comfort. You're an exceptional friend, and an even more amazing person, and we are so thankful to have you in our lives.

All in all, the event was one of the most incredible nights that of our lives. To be surrounded by so much love and support is something we never dreamed that we would experience. We were blissfully taking it all in that night, and will use the strength given to us by your support to get us through the rest of this ordeal. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!