- April 25, 2024
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The proceeds will benefit Ormond, Flagler charities.
Charitable activities are a way of life for Thrivent Financial, of Ormond Beach, and they have a new event planned for Nov. 15: Market for a Mission, a rummage sale with crafts and a variety of other items. The proceeds will benefit Halifax Urban Ministries and The Flagler County Free Medical Clinic.
Thrivent is currently seeking donations from churches and crafters, and welcoming businesses that want to have a display table. Katherine Kyle, financial representative at the company, said so far they have been promised garage sale items, baked goods and knick knacks from area churches, as well as a quilt for a raffle.
Businesses will be able to reach the public attending the event, which will be in their front lot at the Offices of Oak Park, 595 N. Nova Road.
“It’s a way to help people get involved in community outreach,” Kyle said.
There will also be barbecue, and balloon art and face painting for children.
People who wish to sell crafts will be charged $25, and companies will pay $50. There is no charge for churches, because proceeds will go to the designated charities.
Because Thrivent is a fraternal organization and does not pay federal taxes, profits must be returned to the community. The Volusia Flagler Chapter is going to donate funds to the two charities.
Kyle said the company protects their clients’ future, and helps them give back to the community.
The company has a culture of community support, which means a lot of involvement by the two financial representatives, Kyle and Becky Lester, and their staff.
Lester has been with the company 25 years and said it’s not like a regular job. She said it has been “amazing” to be involved with the community at the same time she is doing her job.
“It’s like I have a ministry,” she said. “Helping people with their finances is a big part of that. It’s such great opportunity to share my knowledge. We believe it’s our responsibility to give back.”
Projects she has been involved with include a “crop drop,” which she describes as a “cool thing.”
They helped the Society of St. Andrews go through farm fields in northwest Florida and collect cucumbers that were rejected by the grocery stores, but still fine to eat. The cucumbers were distributed at Halifax Urban Ministries and food pantries in the area.
Another project was called the Lutheran Weigh, in which churches competed to see who could bring in the most food, which was donated to local food banks.
“That was crazy,” she said. “I actually went around weighing all the food.”
Other activities she has been involved with include Sole Support for Parkinson’s, a walk to raise money for the local Parkinson’s Association.
As a financial consultant, Lester said she visits families in their homes quite often, and gets to know them.
“I learn what is important to them, their values,” she said. “It’s wonderful to be involved with them.”
Those who have an account with Thrivent are members and have a vote in the company’s charitable activities.
In 2012, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans decided to include all Christians in their membership and became Thrivent Financial. The fraternal organization was originally formed in the early 1900s to provide life insurance and annuities, and now offers a full range of financial services.
For information about the Nov. 15 Market for a Mission, call 675-6838 or 672-9033.
