Sacred Selections Bartlett Benefit

An Adoption Story

2011-05-28T22:52:00.000-05:00

Sacred Selections,
Our journey towards adoption actually began almost ten years ago. From the day we became husband and wife, we have always wanted to raise godly children in a Christian home. Our plan was to have two children naturally and then adopt a child one day from Korea. However, after seven years of marriage and then two years of trying to conceive, we quickly realized what most of us forget, is that our plan is not always God’s plan. After a lot of praying and placing matters into His magnificent hands, His plan became very clear to us. From this moment, it was obvious that our dream to adopt a child was no longer in the future, but in the present. With the persistent threats to the safety of Koreans and the steady reduction in the Korean international adoption program, we knew that God was leading us down a definitive path. Our Korean adoption process had officially begun.

Once we started down this path, we never looked back except to reflect and to thank God for showing us the way. When we started the process, we had a lot of unanswered questions, such as paperwork, financing the process and the usual mysteries of adoption. With unanswered questions and mysteries comes faith. With faith enters God with the answers. With our biggest concern being finances, Amanda took a job as a nanny and we saved as much money as we possibly could. We also tried to raise as much money as possible with yard sales, cookie sales, etc. Even knowing that God was in control, there was still an obvious shortcoming in our financial need.

Through His marvelous guidance, God brought another Christian couple with a passion for adoption to our local church. This couple, Chad and Becca Ford, provided us with encouragement, understanding hearts, listening ears, plus an awareness and connection to a great organization called Sacred Selections. A few months after applying for a grant, we received a phone call one night from Dana Carrozza. God had answered our prayers and concerns with a grant in the exact amount that filled our ultimate adoption financial need. God is great and without his providence and the Sacred Selections organization, we would not have been able to continue our adoption story any further.

As the story continues, one day in late October of 2010, Amanda received a phone call from our adoption agency. It was the call that we had been long awaiting. As Amanda was filled with tears of joy, she struggled to breathe as she told me the news. In a rush, we left work and headed to the agency office to find out the details of our baby boy. We could hardly imagine another happier moment as we shuffled through the pictures and the reports telling us all about our new son. The next few months were a long and difficult wait. We kept ourselves busy prepping for the arrival of our son. Two days after Valentine’s Day, we finally met our son at the airport in Atlanta. What an anxious and amazing day all wrapped into one! God’s plan for us had finally unfolded and the journey towards raising our son had begun.

There are so many things to be thankful for through this process…
• Our family and friends who supported us in too many ways to count
• Sacred Selections and the generous donors’ encouragement and financial assistance
• Most importantly, God, for his providence, power and love
With love from our Family,
Joshua, Amanda and Phineas Nettles

2011 Bartlett Benefit Info

2011-04-25T00:06:00.001-05:00

As stated in the previous post, the 4th Annual Bartlett Benefit weekend will take place June 10th and 11th this year. The barbecue dinner and auction will be Friday night, June 10th at the Bartlett Municipal Center (5868 Stage Road). As in years past, we will enjoy delicious Memphis-style barbecue and a variety of homemade desserts as well as silent and live auctions. This event will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available in advance only - $12.50 for children 12 and under and $25.00 for adults.

On Saturday morning, June 11th we will host a golf tournament at Wedgewood Golfers' Club (5206 Tournament Drive, Olive Branch, MS) beginning at 8:00 a.m. with a shotgun start. The entry fee is $125.00 per person and includes range balls, green fee with cart, refreshments during the round, many contests with prizes, post tournament awards, and a steak lunch. Mulligans and red tees may be purchased when you register or at the tournament.

For those who don't golf, Dixie Cafe has generously donated their restaurant in Bartlett to us for a pancake breakfast from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. on June 11th as well. Tickets are available in advance and at the door for $5.00.

All proceeds from the 2011 Bartlett Benefit go to Sacred Selections. Please see the attached brochure and registration form. Registration forms with entry fees and donations are due by May 27th to Rod and Lisa Waterman. If you have any questions, please email us at sacredselectionsfundraiser@gmail.com.
Also, if you have any ideas for auction items or any items you would like to donate to the auction, email us. We need these turned in by May 27th as well.

We look forward to seeing all of you in a few short weeks!

4th Annual Benefit Info Announced

2011-03-23T23:53:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again - time for the 4th Annual Sacred Selections Bartlett Benefit! This year's benefit weekend will take place on June 10th and 11th. We are still getting the details figured out and will update the blog as soon as we know everything, but there will be a Barbecue Dinner and Auction on Friday evening, June 10th. A pancake breakfast will take place on Saturday morning, June 11th as well as a golf tournament. Check back for further details, or "like" our Facebook page ("Sacred Selections Annual Benefit in Bartlett, TN) to get all the latest news and updates.

Sacred Selections is a non-profit, privately funded and run organization that helps match children in need with families who will love and care for them. Sacred Selections works from both ends of the adoption process. We seek out children who are in need of loving families and Christian families who want a child to share their love and blessings with. Another big part of Sacred Selection's mission is to help these families with the financial burden of adoption. This is where you come in! Your support and donations will help us fund adoptions for these families! In the past 3 years the Bartlett Benefit has raised $47,000 and helped fund 9 adoptions! We need your help to make this year an even bigger success.

For more information on Sacred Selections, visit their website at http://www.sacredselections.org. We look forward to seeing everyone the weekend of June 10th and 11th and raising money for this worthy cause!

Week in Orlando!!

2010-06-06T23:49:00.000-05:00

Lynda Davenport has graciously donated a 6-night stay in a two bedroom, two bath villa at Vacation Villas at Fantasy World Resort in Orlando, FL for the week of July 23-July 30, 2010!

Vacation Villas at Fantasy World resort is composed of Mediterranean Style, two story villas that sleep 6 people comfortably. All units come fully equipped with full kitchens, washers and dryers, TV and DVD. Ready for your active Central Florida vacation! They are located minutes from Walt Disney World® and area attractions including Sea World®, Universal Studios Florida®, and Downtown Disney®. Resort amenities include 3 swimming pools, lighted tennis courts, basketball courts, a club house, busines center, exercise room, activities room, a bar and grill, and a concierge desk which arranges transportation to and from the area's attractions, as well as discounted tickets to the attractions.

Master bedroom with queen size bed

2nd bedroom with two twin beds

Full size kitchen

Living room with pull out queen sofa bed and eating area

We are so excited to have it available for our LIVE auction this Friday night! Check it out - don't you think it's time YOU took a vacation?

Auction Items

2010-06-06T00:17:00.001-05:00

The 3rd Annual Sacred Selections Barbeque Dinner and Auction takes place this coming Friday evening, June 11th, at 6:30 p.m. We are so excited about the wonderful auction items that have been donated. Here is a sampling:

Heirloom hand-smocked linen dress made by Mary Hudson - $200 value

Queen size Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt, hand-pieced and hand-quilted by Robbie Bingham in Steele, Missouri

Peter Rabbit baby quilt valued at $30 and donated by Nancy Phillips of Jackson, TN

Homak security cabinet, may be mounted on top of a gun cabinet or stand alone. Donated by Tim Phillips of Jackson, TN. Valued at $89.

Lil' Banshee Junior Archery Set - A great beginner archery set with an 18 lb. draw compound bow, arm guard, finger tab, target, and two arrows. Valued at $49.99. Also donated by Tim Phillips.

Walls turkey hunting vest with a built-in removable seat for comfort, pockets for turkey calls, game bag, and lots more interior and exterior pockets. $40 value. Also donated by Tim Phillips.

Less Than 2 Weeks Left!!!

2010-05-31T20:29:00.007-05:00

We appreciate so many of you sending your registrations in already. Your generosity is overwhelming and we are thrilled to be part of your efforts. This year’s event is shaping up to be another fun-filled huge success with brothers and sisters coming from all around. We will all love hearing the stories from the couples that have received grants from Sacred Selections and, of course, David and Dana Carrozza. So, if you have not passed this great opportunity on to your friends, please do it now so they too can experience the joy of helping christian couples with the expenses of adopting the unwanted babies.

With two great years behind us, it would have been easy to stop for awhile. But, your enthusiasm would just not allow it! You all exhibit the true nature of God’s children when you continuously look for opportunities to help in this scriptural and loving way. We look forward to working with you to help remove the financial barriers of adoption so the babies can get into good christian homes.

For those of you who have not yet sent in registrations or donations, please get those in soon so we can plan accordingly. (see form below) We have extended the deadline through the end of this week!

Looking forward to a great time with all of you!

Hole-in-One Prize -- 2011 Hyundai Sonata!

2010-05-24T21:05:00.011-05:00

We want to thank Homer Skelton Hyundai for their generous Hole-in-One prize donation for the golf tournament - a brand new 2011 Hyundai Sonata!

So get your registration forms turned in TODAY for the golf tournament. You don't want to miss this amazing opportunity to contribute to such a worthwhile cause AND get the chance to win a new car!

Houston Benefit

2010-05-16T23:51:00.006-05:00

The word has spread, and Bartlett isn't the only area raising money for this awesome cause! If you are planning to be in the Houston area on June 19th or 26th, join Jeff and Darleen Ledbetter for one or both of their planned events. On June 19th a pancake breakfast will be held at Applebee's in Pasadena, TX and on June 26th a reception and auction will be held at Cullen's Restaurant in Houston, TX.

Please go to their webpage for more information and to view the video advertisements for their events.

http://www.jeffanddarleen.com/ss/

T-Minus 29 days...and counting!

2010-05-13T09:22:00.005-05:00

The countdown to the 3rd Annual Sacred Selections Bartlett Benefit weekend has begun! If you plan to attend the Barbeque Feast and Auction on Friday night, June 11th and/or participate in the Golf Tournament on Saturday, June 12th, we need to have your registration form and check by MAY 28th - which is only 2 WEEKS AWAY! Just print the form from the previous post and mail it in to the address printed on the form with your payment.

May 28th is also the deadline for any donations you would like to make for the silent and live auctions. We've already received some wonderful items including a handmade afghan, tickets to the zoo, season tickets to University of Memphis football, Kindermusik summer camp, a golf foursome at Spring Creek, and an adorable size 2 hot pink dress with a green frog.

As always, cash donations are always welcome and appreciated!

Thanks so much for supporting Sacred Selections and helping babies to find christian homes.

2010 Benefit Info and Registration Form

2010-04-13T11:00:00.004-05:00

The 3rd Annual Sacred Selections Benefit in Bartlett is less than 2 months away! Click the pictures below and print for all the information about this year's activities, from the barbeque dinner and auction to the pancake breakfast and golf tournament. Don't forget to print the registration form and get it mailed in with your donation by MAY 28TH! We can't wait to see everyone this year and see how much money we can raise for this worthy cause!

Save the Date!

2010-03-21T21:26:00.004-05:00

It's time to start planning for the 3rd annual Sacred Selections Benefit!

Benefit Weekend Wrap-up!

2009-07-11T22:17:00.000-05:00

Truly Amazing! So many of you have shown how generous and loving you are through your unwavering support of Sacred Selections. You have proven that even a slow economy cannot keep faithful christians from helping those in need. After all was tallied and expenses were covered, the latest events provided a total of over $17,300 to the work of Sacred Selections !! That is $5,000 more than 2008! Some of you may have heard that one week after the events, Sacred Selection’s board met and promised funds to a couple in the northwest with more to follow soon. We will be updating the Sacred Selections website with those details (www.sacredselections.org) so visit often and stay in touch.

I also want you to know that your example has set a fire. We have been contacted by several people throughout the country asking how they too can host events to benefit these children and couples. Your example is encouraging to us, the couples in need, and others looking for ways to help!

It is an awesome privilege to work with God’s family and witness the generosity of your hearts. So, while we thank you for your participation in this work, we praise God and give Him the glory for teaching us His ways and providing the opportunity to serve Him by serving others!

Simply Amazing!

2009-05-27T22:51:00.001-05:00

WOW! You are not going to believe the number of business donations we have for the auction this year! Plus, we have 9 days still before the Sacred Selections Benefit weekend and we already have 25% more people committed than last year! Included in that number are some very special folks. You will meet both of the couples that we helped last year – the Corleys from Alabama, and the Lankfords from Texas! It will be great to see the fruits of your labor as we pull the money together to help even more!

Thanks to all of you that already sent in your registration forms. We needed to know how many to plan for, but it is not too late if you forgot! Just call or email us to let us know you are planning to attend and we will save you a spot. Everything is really coming together and it promises to be a lot of fun! But remember, if you can’t make it, there are still lots of babies needing your help. Please find a way to send a small donation; even $20 will help to build funds for bringing these couples and babies together.

Thanks for all of the massive support for these babies and couples. God’s people are amazing!

We look forward to seeing you all next week!

Rod & Lisa Waterman
901-380-0819

Another Note from Dana

2009-05-23T21:20:00.002-05:00

Support of SACRED SELECTIONS does more than helping fund adoptions for Christians... it places joy, hope and trust in hearts of birthmothers that have been stripped of these blessings.

Over the years David and I have talked with countless birthmothers and they ALL naturally express concern over the family that will adopt their child.

Probably one of their first concerns is if the family can afford the adoption.

Now since SACRED SELECTIONS we have had the privilege of telling the birthmothers of the many, many Christians all around the world who are donating their money and time to help see that their baby will be placed in a Christian home.

I wish you could see and hear their AMAZEMENT that strangers would be helping them and their child for no other reason than to make sure that their baby is safe and loved in a good Christian home!

Often times this example of Christian giving has helped to plant seeds of faith in the birthmothers' empty hearts. Many have attended church services with us....they want to know more about this family of God that cares for them and their child. We make sure that they have Bibles before they leave us and we pray that God will become their light and shine His path for them for the rest of their lives!

Who knows but God what your donation can render, not only in the placement of a child into a loving Christian home, but to the very soul of a young woman floundering in the world searching for love not knowing of the most perfect love that only our Lord can and is so willing to give!

Your giving back to God from the Blessings God gave you will be the most extraordinary and powerful example of God's love that a birthmother may ever witness!

Please keep the birthmothers in your prayers that they choose life and see God's love in us!

Dana Carrozza

Why YOU Should Participate in the Benefit June 5 & 6

2009-05-21T17:38:00.003-05:00

My Dear Christian Brothers and Sisters:

ADOPTION is a foreign word to so many people...it conjures up images of babies being either abandoned by birthmothers or "snatched" from their arms in some horrific manner. Adoption is NOT like this in our society today. Often times young women who find themselves pregnant are shocked and don't know where to turn. Unfortunately our Government, encouraged and underscored by the media, have devised a "Quick Fix" for their Dilemma....Abortion.”This will solve ALL your problems,” they say and many women buy into that myth. God has placed in ALL of our hearts a great understanding and appreciation for LIFE and there are some who feel life that dwells inside of them and try to choose an alternative to killing their child.

The more that David and I work with Pregnant women the more we see their understanding of LIFE and its precious nature... but soooo many have been fed the "garbage" permeating our society that abortion is the answer that they are left confused and reeling from the responsibilities and possibilities of them caring for a child in the future!

This is where Christians need to step forward to HELP these birthmothers and their babies that they so desperately LOVE but cannot care for....Think about it.... what are their alternatives? Care for them without any means of support?..... Pass them off to foster care at birth? (and let me tell you the social workers are standing by ready to "scoop" up these babies from young women without a plan) OR make an adoption plan for their baby?

Do you know how many birthmothers think that it will cost them money to choose adoption???? I talk to adoption attorneys all across America and they ALL tell me the same thing that the birthmother let the child go to foster care because she couldn't afford the attorney's fees for adoption!! Just another one of the devil's tricks.

Nearly ALL birthmothers thank their adoptive families for taking their children to love and to raise.... they say to me "I am soooo lucky that they would choose to LOVE and care for my child...I am so happy for my child to have such a gift as a mom and dad who REALLY want them!" And more than that several of my birthmothers get pregnant again want the families that adopted their first child to also adopt this child.

I have had good, well meaning Christians tell me to my face that "No mother would EVER give her child willingly so we just don't want to be a part of that!" Just because you have not experienced something DOES NOT MAKE IT A FACT!!!

It is a feeling whether spoken or unspoken throughout almost all birthmothers who are facing adoption...."Why would anyone ever want to adopt my child when I don't even want it?!!! Do you hear the devil at ALL in that statement?

Brothers and Sisters in Christ.... I tell you now for certainty that there are countless thousands of babies and children just here in the United States that are crying and desperately needing a Christian home!! You need to look no further than your front door...Do you know the abortion statistics in your home state?...Get to know them....YOU Will be Shocked!!! The young waitress at the Cracker Barrell is probably pregnant and deciding on an abortion....The check out girl at Walmart is probably pregnant and daydreaming of how she could keep her child or choose abortion! Just one random kindly word stating that you believe in LIFE and would be willing to help anyone trying to decide on LIFE could save an innocent child.

The fundraiser in Memphis this June picks up ALL the broken pieces of hearts and puts them together in such a BEAUTIFUL .. LOVING and CHRISTIAN way!!

Birthmothers looking for a better way for their child can be connected with a Christian family who are ready, willing, and able to raise a child.... the ONLY thing standing in their way...MONEY...how sad if a child is lost over money ....

When i initially talk to birthmothers the first thing that they want to know about are the types of families that they can choose from...If i can ONLY show her 3 families who have the money available for adoption now.....the chances are narrowed to the point that we may lose that child to abortion, welfare, or a family who is not Christian!

Christians who have open hearts and homes to adoption of little innocent souls are my heroes!!! Not everyone can make that step.... but if you can just help one of these families bring a child into their home that may not have had the chance to know GOD's LOVE... You too can be a very IMPORTANT part of their adoption! You can watch their progress in the LORD and one day have the extreme pleasure of worshipping with them... with the ULTIMATE GLORY of joining them in HEAVEN!!

My Challenge to ALL Christians.... Either ADOPT or help finance an ADOPTION for a Christian Family.

May Our Lord be Praised

Dana Carrozza

Adoption

2009-05-21T07:46:00.002-05:00

According to the apostle Paul (Romans 8:14-17), God loves us so much that he is willing to adopt us into His family, even though we can never earn such a right. As christians, we benefit from the never ending love of God. We did not do anything for it, we certainly do not deserve it. He simply loves us and is willing to take us in and bless us.

There are many christian couples that already love those babies looking for a home. They are ready to adopt a child and give her their blessings. The blessings of a godly upbringing and everlasting love. Some just need a little help with the expenses of adoption. They can handle the month-to-month expenses, but adoption can cost $7,000 to $10,000 and they just do not have the cash to make it happen. The good news is, WE can make it happen! Through the love of many, a child will find a loving home. Through the love of many, we give more children the chance to be called a child of God one day. Please help us help them. Send in your registration while you are thinking about it. We are SO excited about all of the folks that are planning to attend. We will have fun and be uplifted, but most importantly, we will help a child and her new parents form a family.

Rod & Lisa Waterman

A Week in Scottsdale, Arizona!

2009-05-17T19:04:00.008-05:00

Auction Item Alert!!! We have been blessed to have a 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo in Scottsdale, Arizona donated for the week of October 16-23, 2009. It will sleep 6 and would make an awesome golf getaway or fall break family vacation! (For more information, go to http://www.scottsdalelinks.com) So, bring those checkbooks to the barbecue dinner and auction and be ready to bid on this and many more exciting items. And keep those auction items coming - so many of you are working hard to get great items for us, but we can always use more!

Don't forget to get your registration forms filled out and turned in with your fees for the dinner/auction and golf tournament by May 22. Just send us an email at sacredselectionsfundraiser@gmail.com or call Rod and Lisa Waterman at (901) 380-0819 and we'll be happy to send you the form.

Chuck's Challenge

2009-05-11T13:48:00.000-05:00

While it is never our intention to feed off of emotion, if anything can get our attention, it’s a baby in need. That is why so many christians are opening up to help. While many will make it to at least one of the benefit events, many who cannot are still excited about sending a donation. Chuck, one of our brothers in Christ in Jackson, TN is sending a donation because he and his wife cannot be here. He believes in the cause so much, he wants to challenge everyone who cannot make it to the events to do the same. We know times are tough for some of you who have felt the blow to the economy. But, those couples that are open to receiving a baby into their home are just as concerned about the future of our economy and need our help. If you can afford to help at all, we encourage you to take time to come together with brothers and sisters to help other christians build a life for a child. We REALLY want you to come to the events. But, if you simply cannot, please consider a donation.

Hotel Accommodations

2009-05-10T18:46:00.002-05:00

We have arranged with the Wingate Hotel at Wolfchase for a special room rate for attendees of the Sacred Selections benefit on June 5th and 6th. The Wingate is located at 2270 N. Germantown Pkwy, Memphis, TN 38016 about 1/2 mile south of I-40 at Exit 16. If you will call the hotel directly at 901-386-1110 and tell them that you are coming for the Sacred Selections benefit you will get the room rate of $79.99 + tax. This is $30 less than their best rate on the internet. The hotel is very nice with large guest rooms furnished with two queen beds or one king bed. This rate includes a hot Continental breakfast.

Benefit Weekend Q & A

2009-05-08T10:45:00.004-05:00

Q: Do I need to purchase BBQ dinner tickets in advance or can they be purchased at the door?

A: Please purchase your tickets in advance. We need a head count by May 22nd so we will know how much barbecue to order and how many tables we need to set up. Please email us at sacredselectionsfundraiser@gmail.com, and we will be happy to email you the registration form. You may also call Lisa and Rod Waterman at (901) 380-0819 and they can email or mail the registration form to you.

Q: Do I need to purchase Pancake Breakfast tickets in advance or can they be purchased at the door?

A: Pancake Breakfast tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door. Again, just email or call and we will send you the registration form or you can wait until Saturday morning and show up at Applebee's and we'll be happy to accept your donation then!

Q: Do I need to purchase my Golf Tournament ticket in advance or can I wait until the day of?

A: Please purchase your Golf Tournament in advance. Your ticket purchase will include dinner following the tournament. Again, we need a head count by May 22nd. A simple email or call will get you the registration form.

We look forward to seeing everyone the weekend of June 5th and 6th. This can only be a success with all of your help!

Working with the Lord's people, helping to change the lives of children....one little baby at a time!

2009-05-03T12:07:00.003-05:00

The sad fact is that our society promotes sexual activity and that results in many women being faced with “surprise” pregnancy and how they are going to raise their unborn child. Unfortunately, abortion is a seemingly easy direction to take, and many do. The leaders of Sacred Selections began teaching these young women that adoption is a real alternative that can take away their burden and save the child’s life. What a heroic and wonderful effort! But, they do not stop there. Because of the high costs associated with adoption, Sacred Selections is working to help fund these adoptions for christian families across the nation. Now it gets exciting, because we can help!

If you were a part of the Sacred Selection benefit activities last year then you already know what a huge success your efforts were. Sacred Selections was able to help fund the adoption of two more babies because of the outpouring of support shown by brethren of west Tennessee last June. Sacred Selections is dedicated to helping many more babies find their way into homes that provide godly love and nurturing. This foundation is a non-profit 501(C)3 California corporation established in 2006 by individual Christians who are dedicated to this work and I encourage you all to support them.

We have planned some special events on Friday, June 5th and Saturday, June 6th in Bartlett, TN where you can become involved with this worthy effort. The founders of Sacred Selections, David and Dana Carrozza, will be joining us along with a couple of surprise guests! So, please reserve some time on your calendars to join us at one of these events during this fun filled weekend.

Planned Events for Sacred Selections include:

· Friday, June 5th at 6:30 p.m.: Famous Memphis BBQ Feast & Auction at Bartlett Municipal Center

· Saturday, June 6th from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.: Pancake Breakfast at Applebee's

· Saturday, June 6th at 1:00 p.m.: Golf Tournament at Stonebridge Golf Course and dinner afterward

We hope you will plan on joining us in this effort, if not by participating in one of our planned activities, then possibly through a simple donation. And please, pass this on!

For more information, feel free to email us at sacredselectionsfundraiser@gmail.com or call Rod and Lisa Waterman at 901-380-0819.

Count Your Blessings

2009-04-27T08:41:00.002-05:00

Last evening one of the preachers we support, Dana Whistler, was in town and talked to us about his work in Belize. He showed us a few slides of the brethren there and told us about the lives of some of them. One couple was shown with their new home with big smiles on their faces. Their new home was 20ft x 24ft. He talked to us further about how we view what we need in life. There, electricity is not always viewed as a need. Their needs are simply food, shelter and clothing. How humbling that is. We all have so much in America. Sacred Selections offers us a chance to give to a true need. A child needs a family that will raise it in the Lord. Let’s do our part.

For more information about how you can be a part of the Sacred Selections Bartlett Fundraiser which will take place June 5th and 6th, send an email to sacredselectionsfundraiser@gmail.com or call Rod and Lisa Waterman at 901-380-0819. You may also send a donation directly to Rod and Lisa at 3865 Windy Trail Cove, Bartlett, TN 38135. Make checks out to "Sacred Selections."

Awesome Auction!

2009-04-21T20:12:00.009-05:00

We’re getting ready for the auction to benefit Sacred Selections on June 5th. Mason Harris has volunteered to be our auctioneer once again. It promises to be a fun night!

Our sweet Grace (11 years old) has been busy knitting again. She knitted scarves for our auction last year and now she has made an afghan for this year’s auction. Grace has been so enthusiastic in her support of helping the babies that Miss Judy, who used to live next door to Grace, has gotten involved too. This is a beautiful blue/green afghan that Grace has made for us. It will keep someone warm and cozy next winter.

Her friend, Miss Judy made this beautiful white baby blanket. It is absolutely exquisite and will become a very special heirloom for some sweet baby!

Do you have something that you would like to donate to the auction? You may contact Lisa at lisah2oman@bellsouth.net. Last year we had everything from a Red Velvet Cake to a ride in a Fedex flight simulator.

Save the date and make plans to join us on June 5th for a Memphis Barbeque Feast and an auction of wonderful items. All of this supports our cause: Helping babies find Christian homes!

How Did We Get Involved in Sacred Selections?

2009-04-13T18:11:00.001-05:00

In early 2008, a group of Christians in Bartlett, TN were discussing the importance of adoption and that a major hurdle for many young couples is the cost involved to complete an adoption. One friend had recently attended the Florida College lectures and had become reacquainted with Dana Carozza and her work with Sacred Selections.

After contacting the Carozzas and learning more about the foundation, how it is operated and the great work they are accomplishing, it was clear that Sacred Selections provides a unique opportunity for Christians to get involved in promoting and supporting adoption as an alternative to abortion while helping young couples with the expense of adoption. After calling upon family and friends for ideas and support, a plan was developed to bring this great opportunity to more people.

The first fund raising weekend for Sacred Selections was held in June of that year. The fun began on Friday night with a barbecue dinner, homemade desserts, and an auction of donated items from generous local businesses and fabulous friends. Early the next morning middle school and high school students served a pancake breakfast at Applebee’s restaurant. That afternoon a golf tournament was held at beautiful Quail Ridge Golf Course. When everything was tallied the friends from the Bartlett area had raised $17,000 – enough money to help TWO Christian families reach their dreams and adopt TWO babies.

Join us June 5th & 6th, 2009 for the 2nd Annual Bartlett Benefit for Sacred Selections. Working and having fun together we can make more dreams come true for more babies and their adoptive families.

What is Sacred Selections?

2009-04-06T13:11:00.009-05:00

The mission of Sacred Selections is to financially assist Christian couples whose hearts and homes are open to loving and raising a child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

The dream of parenting does not have to be constrained by limited financial resources. The foundation, its board, and many generous donors are committed to using the blessings we’ve received to assist in the wonderful effort of creating a Christian homes and families.

How Did It All Begin?

In 1992 David and Dana Carozza started what would eventually become a chain of medical laboratories called THE LAB. During this time Dana became aware of a significant number of young women coming into THE LAB for pregnancy tests. Many were interested in documenting the results for the purpose of having abortions. Because of privacy laws Dana was not allowed to talk to them about anything regarding their pregnancies or their alternatives. This weighed on Dana and David and they prayed for an answer. At Dana’s prompting a brochure, “Adoption is an Option”, was designed by a local adoption facilitation service and placed in the laboratory patient service centers. This silent protest to the abomination of abortion reached many.

Next week: How did we become involved in Sacred Selections?

**Don't forget to mail your tax-deductible donation made out to "Sacred Selections" to Rod and Lisa Waterman at 3865 Windy Trail Cove, Bartlett, TN 38135. Also, check out the Sacred Selections website: http://www.sacredselections.org. We'll be posting more info soon on this blog regarding how to get your tickets to the June benefit in Bartlett. If you have any questions, email us at sacredselectionsfundraiser@gmail.com.**

Save the Date!

2009-03-17T14:50:00.005-05:00

We had our first meeting last night, and the date is set for the 2nd Annual Sacred Selections Benefit Weekend. The Barbecue Dinner and Live Auction will be held June 5th, 2009 at the Bartlett Municipal Building. The Pancake Breakfast and Golf Tournament will take place on June 6th. We are excited and can't wait to raise a ton of money for this worthy cause!

This event is open to EVERYONE - not just area Christians. Please spread the word and invite anyone and everyone you know. You never know who has been touched in some way by adoption.

Also, we need donations for the live auction on Friday night. These items can range from handmade baby dresses to antique furniture to gift certificates to paintings to cakes and pies! Between now and the event we will be posting pictures of some of the items from last year and items that we've collected so far for this year. So, get those donations coming because June will be here before you know it!

If you can't make it to the event, you can mail your tax-deductible donation to Rod and Lisa Waterman at 3865 Windy Trail Cove, Bartlett, TN 38135. Make your check out to "Sacred Selections." If you would like to be added to our email or mailing list, send an email to sacredselectionsfundraiser@gmail.com or call the Watermans at 901-380-0819.

For more information about Sacred Selections, visit their website at http://www.sacredselections.org. Please check back with the blog often for more updates about the event. We can't wait to see you in June!