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By Annalyse Hasty
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| From left to right: Jesse Johnson, It Is Written general manager; John Bradshaw, speaker/director; and Charles Reel, treasurer, present the check of donated funds for the Park Vista Hotel employees who were affected by the recent fires in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Photo provided by It Is Written |
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On Nov. 28, 2016, wildfires ravaged Gatlinburg, Tennessee, four days before It Is Written’s final Partnership weekend event at the Park Vista Hotel in Gatlinburg. The North American media ministry was unable to hold the event there, but those who attended at the new location felt impressed to "do something" for the hotel and its team.
Ellen Metcalf, It Is Written (IIW) development director, explained that IIW has held Partnership weekend events at the Park Vista hotel for more than two decades — changing the location at the last minute was very unexpected. But "God provided a great alternate location right here in our hometown of Chattanooga,” said Metcalf. "Our partners very quickly changed their travel plans. We were blessed with a great, inspiring weekend."
The It Is Written staff and partners who attended the relocated annual event wanted to help the Park Vista staff affected by the fire. The hotel itself sustained only smoke and equipment damage, but many members of the hotel staff lost everything. One member of hotel management shared that the hotel management was purchasing hygiene and clothing necessities. "We have many employees who lost homes and vehicles," she explained.
At the event, partners generously filled offering baskets with cash and checks. IIW made its own contribution while some people contributed online. "Our partners were very generous," reported Charles Reel, IIW treasurer.
After the initial check was written, even more funds came in. It Is Written is working with the hotel management and using the funds to provide gift cards for the Park Vista employees. "We missed seeing our friends at the Park Vista this December," Metcalf said. "We hope this gift helps them rebuild their lives a little quicker."
It Is Written holds seven Partnership events around the country each fall. The weekends are inspirational, faith building experiences. Click here to find out how you can become involved.
— Annalyse Hasty is the editor/social media coordinator for It Is Written.
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