Feasting for Funds

Operation Underground Railroad: ourrescue.org

Phil Lamb has three very precious daughters.  The thought of one of them being taken, well, he can’t really even put it into words.  “It makes me think of all those that are not as fortunate as my family,” he says. “All I could see in my mind’s eye, after hearing about you [O.U.R.], was that these [trafficked] children could be one of mine.” So, Phil decided to do something about it and he recruited others to help as well.

Phil Lamb

The people at Phil’s work are a great bunch. “I work with a wonderful group of people that work for a major airline. We are very unique,” Phil says. With friends Dale Hauser and Steve Fitzsharris, Phil has been raising money for worthy causes for years.  “We would choose a worthy recipient and spend two to three months getting things ready. With the blessing of our company, we would run an all day food fest and collect money.”

“The other day, when I brought out the sausage, peppers and meatballs, I thought, ‘Why not put out a jar and some information and see what happens?’” What happened was that Phil raised $170 for O.U.R. He then doubled that by matching the donation for an odd total of $340. “I planned on making a yearly donation, so I thought doing a match would be a good incentive for people to give,” Phil says.

The little “feast” was so successful Phil plans on hosting another one soon, but not too soon.  “They love to eat, but you have to make sure you do not wear out your welcome.”

Feasting for Funds

When asked what advice he’d give others who would like to try something like this he says:

Start planning things about two to three months ahead. Great companies like WalMart, Sams Club, etc., have an allowance for giving to events like this.  Always, if done at work, make sure you get approval from management to do this in advance.  Also, if they are ok with it, you can get a basic letter on company stationary, that you can supply as proof you are running a charity event and the company is ok with it. With my little event of cooking, I just show up with the food and they eat!

Phil admits to no special training as far as cooking is concerned although he enjoys watching good cooks and believes he has been blessed with a special gift. But perhaps his greatest influence is his mother who is a great example in both cooking and giving. “Because of my mother’s great giving in her life, I try to find the best ways to do the most good,” says Phil.

You done good Phil. Mama would be proud.

For more information on Operation Underground Railroad and the children we rescue please visit us at  OURRESCUE.org