14 Safe Landings in Habitat For Humanity Sky-Diving Fundraiser
Donkeys, guineas, alpacas, and other farm animals mingled with wide-eyed spectators in Lexington at the Texas Skydiving facility on Friday, as 14 Fayette County residents finally got the chance to skydive for Fayette County Habitat for Humanity. After a few reschedules due to mother nature and a relocation change, the event took place all day Friday.
And, boy, was the excitement and nerves in the air, but as soon as the flights begin only celebration was in the air as spiderman suits were worn, some popped champagne, and some even decided to go again while living in the moment.
One jumper Lauren Almanza, La Grange Elementary School principal, said hundreds of kids were with her in spirit.
“A huge thank you for allowing me the opportunity to take a leap of faith to help raise funds for Habitat for Humanity. Skydiving is definitely something most people are nervous about, but it is still on their bucket lists anyway. We got to experience a small plane ride which was incredible, too. Leaping out of the plane, free-falling, and then taking in the glide for a few minutes is something I won’t ever forget. I got to take advantage of this experience and raise funds for an amazing cause. I can’t wait to see who is ready for the challenge next year!”
Fayette County Record Record editor Jeff Wick said, “What an amazing opportunity to do something so scary, so exciting and so meaningful all at the same time. I’m so thankful for all the folks who donated to this cause.”
The jumpers Friday included: Joe Johnson, Michael Johnson, Georgina Hudspeth, Julie Couch, Kenny Coach, Jeff Wick, Ben Sustr, Marissa Anderson, Lauren Almanza, Dennis Tousek, Steve Cameron, Rhonda Jo Aldrich, Michael Schlabach and Craig Moreau. Six other fundraisers were unable to jump Friday but have vouchers to do so at a later date.
Overall Fayette County Habitat for Humanity was the big winner Friday $22,437.21 was raised which far exceeded their goal of $15,000. The highest individual fundraiser was Georgina Hudspeth who donated her prize, a $100 gift card to Hank’s Express, right back to Habitat to buy food for their next construction project. “This just shows us what our community can accomplish when we work together towards a common goal. This event lets us know that Fayette County is ready and willing to support Habitat and our mission to build a world where everyone has a decent place to call home,” said Kenny Couch, Fayette County Habitat for Humanity executive director. “As much fun as jumping was, it doesn’t come close to telling a family that they will live in a decent home; many for the first time in their lives. Habitat is excited to bring more exciting events to our community as we grow our organization to meet the needs of Fayette County.”