25 TABLES SPONSORED!! ...$10,000 & $500/MONTH MATCHING FUNDS CHALLENGE!!

25 TABLES SPONSORED!! 

...$10,000 & $500/MONTH MATCHING FUNDS CHALLENGE!!

 

.....THANK YOU GOD & THANK YOU DONORS!

 

For the first time since our first banquet in 2002 we haven't been able to do any real fundraising before the night of the banquet. Usually we try to pre-raise about 40% of our goal by the day of the banquet, but as most of you know we've had other priorities to focus on over the past 6 weeks. Our goal is to raise $100k by Jan 31, 2023 to launch GTD into our 27th year of ministry. We are off to a very late start. Not a problem for God! In fact, He specializes in crunch time miracles!

 

We are just over 24 hours away from our most important event of the year, and I've had very little time to work on this event. To our amazement a few days ago we had already exceeded our goal of getting 20 Table Sponsors! We have 25!! Glory to God!!

 

And just as amazing we have some extraordinarily generous donors that are kicking off the fundraising season with a Donor Match Challenge of $10,000 in one-time donations and $500/month in monthly pledges!!! Dang, this is beyond awesome... this is supernatural!!

 

So if you love what we do and want to support the cause then this is a GREAT TIME to double your impact by having your one-time donation and/or your monthly pledge doubled!!

 

Donors are matching whatever you donate and/or pledge dollar for dollar up to $10,000 for one-time donations and up to $500/month for monthly pledges for the next 12 months! That's huge!! That's potentially $32,000 (almost 1/3 of our goal)!!

 

To make a donation, make a monthly pledge, and/or reserve a seat (or seats) at tomorrow nights Annual Banquet in Pinellas Park, Florida click on the THIS LINK

 

If you can't make it out tomorrow night then lift us up in prayer. God is at work! Thank you so much friends!!

 

 

.

We are humbled to announce a Platinum Table Sponsor who matched their 10k donation from last year!  This family has been a vital part of GTD over many years, and we can’t thank them enough for the investment they continue to make into this ministry and in the lives of our participants.

*****

PHOTO 2022 SLAMMED

*****

If you'd like to learn more about GTD, attend the banquet, sponsor a table, or become a Monthly Ministry Partner CLICK HERE.

Laurie - Keller Williams Realty [2022 Table Sponsor]

 

I [Laurie] started working with GTD back in 2008.  I have served as the Prosperity Director and Costa Rica Missions Director, in addition, up until 2018 I attended almost every event as support staff.  My specialty on most trips has always been cooking, the kitchen is my happy place!!

Before I began working for GTD I was a Realtor.  Through the years that I've worked for GTD I maintained my Real Estate license and returned to it 3 years ago.  While wearing many hats with GTD my passion has always been on the mission field in Costa Rica and our Destination Trips.  Because of this, it has been my dream to transition out of a full time position with GTD by supporting myself financially to allow GTD the freedom to hire others who can help support the demands of the ministry.  In return, I can focus on what I do best in this ministry which is missions and maybe a little cooking on the side!  Now that I am in a very part time role, I am able to contribute more to the ministry as a Financial Ministry Partner. As a Real Estate Agent, I work with one of the Top Teams in the area.  Just this past month I was ranked #6 in our office out of 435 realtors and our team was ranked #2!  In many ways it has been a true blessing to work with the Vanessa Leonard Group at Keller Williams.  No matter whether a client is looking to upsize, downsize, invest, relocate, buy, sell, purchase a second home, refer a friend, or just needs advice we are here to help. 

On a side note, I met Vanessa on a GTD trip in Utah where she and her husband hiked one of the most rigorous hikes in and through the Virgin River!

***
PHOTO

2022 ZSOM COSTA RICA
***** 

If you'd like to learn more about GTD, sponsor a table at GTD's Annual Fundraiser Banquet, or become a Monthly Ministry Partner go to:

If you’re looking to buy or sell or know someone who is, please reach out, I’d love to help.  From every commission I earn I always give back to the ministry. You can contact me here: laurie@vanessaleonard.com

If you'd like to learn more about GTD, sponsor a table at GTD's Annual Fundraiser Banquet, or become a Monthly Ministry Partner go to: CLICK HERE.

ALBERTO'S AUTO REPAIR [2022 TABLE SPONSOR]

 

Thank you Alberto and Maria of Alberto’s Auto Repair for your Silver Table Sponsorship at this year's GTD banquet!  We are grateful to you for helping to make this event happen!  It’s a true blessing. 

They say a good mechanic is hard to find…. look no further…. Doug’s Dad highly recommends Albertos!   Alberto’s Auto Repair is located on 82nd Ave in Pinellas Park.  Be sure to check out their Google reviews to see all the great things customers are saying!  

*****

PHOTO

2022 CCF ZEAL MS ZAMP

*****

If you'd like to sponsor a table at GTD's Annual Fundraiser Banquet or register for this event please CLICK HERE.

GO GREEN REGLAZING [2022 TABLE SPONSOR]

 

WOW!  A platinum table sponsorship from Mark and Terezia Smith of Go Green Reglazing!   From participating, to volunteering, to donating, this family has done it all….even hiking through the Everglades!  From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your love and involvement in GTD over the years!  

*****

Go Green Reglazing is the only Certified Green Reglazer in the Tampa Bay area and on the Gulf Coast of Florida. We not only make your kitchen or bath more beautiful, we make it a healthier place for you , your family or your customers to enjoy for years to come. That makes us feel good and we think it will make you feel good, too.

We offer a variety of color changes for old and outdated tile, bathtubs, showers and vanities. (Say goodbye to your Pink and Seafoam Green Bathroom!).

We also offer color changes for kitchen and bath cabinets, as well as counter top patterns (for example,the Corian look) in over 85 color schemes.

To learn more about Go Green ReGlazing CLICK HERE.

*****

PHOTO

2022 BIOLUMINESCENCE PADDLING TOUR 

***** 

If you'd like to sponsor a table at GTD's Annual Fundraiser Banquet or register for this event please CLICK HERE.

FREDRICK JAMES [2022 TABLE SPONSOR]

Fredrick James Accounting 

Thank you Fred & Crystal Daus for your incredible support, generosity and commitment to GTD.   We are blessed beyond measure by you and your amazing staff at Fredrick James.

 

We could never thank you enough for all you do to help GTD with all our accounting and tax needs.    Thank you for sharing your gifts and talents with us year after year, and thank you for serving on the GTD Board.  [Platinum Table Sponsor]

*****
PHOTO
2022 Adventure Trip - CSCC

*****
At Fredrick James Accounting, 

our vision is to bring innovative financial services to the world.

Our mission is to create a better life and endless possibilities for our clients. We strive to build solid, long term relationships with our clients by consistently exceeding expectations, delivering the highest quality financial services, providing exceptional customer service, and giving each client the individualized personal attention needed to deliver the results that are critical to our mutual success.

To learn more about Fredrick James Accounting CLICK HERE

*****

If you'd like to sponsor a table at GTD's Annual Fundraiser Banquet or register for this event please CLICK HERE

 

32 FREE BANQUET TICKETS! ...COME JOIN US THIS TUES NIGHT!!

 
Each year we have a few generous table sponsors that live out of the area that want to offer their banquet tickets to anyone that wants to come to our Annual Banquet and enjoy a night of celebration along with a delicious Carrabba's dinner. This year we have 32 FREE TICKETS AVAILABLE! Yayyyyy!!
 
Come join us for a fun night as we celebrate 26 years of ministry as well as prepare for our 27th year!
 
ANNUAL BANQUET:
Nov 29, 2022 (Tues Night)
6:30pm - 9:00pm
 
Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center
4951 78th Ave N, Pinellas Park, FL 33781
 
CATERED BY CARRABBA'S!!!!!
 
CLICK HERE FOR Website & Details!

 

 

.

YATES FAMILY [2022 TABLE SPONSOR]

Chris & Stacie Yates

Thank you so much to the Yates Family for sponsoring a table at GTD’s Annual Fundraiser Banquet this year!  Stacie attended a GTD even many years ago and introduced her husband and son to it just this year.  Together they attended one of our largest events to date in Ocala just last month, our FALL CAMPING RETREAT and instantly became fans of GTD!   [BRONZE TABLE SPONSOR] We look forward to more family events with you and your family! Thank you for your generosity! *** PHOTO 2022 FALL RETREAT

*****

To learn more about GTD, to attend the banquet, sponsor a table or make a donation CLICK HERE.

MACLAUCHLIN FAMILY [2022 TABLE SPONSOR]

 

MACLAUCHLIN FAMILY

Every year I am deeply touched by Lisa and her family for sponsoring a table at the GTD banquet.  It’s very touching to have a friend of over 20 years… who you haven’t seen in over 20 years… invest in a ministry you’ve poured your heart into for 13 years although they’ve never been on a trip! [SILVER TABLE SPONSOR] 

I know it’s not about me, it’s about the ministry and the lives we reach for God’s Kingdom. Whether it’s to encourage a person in their faith or introduce someone to Christ for the very first time, they as all our ministry partners are investing in the souls of others by supporting the work of this ministry.  Thank you Lisa and family for your continued support.  From all of us here at GTD, thank you….I love you dearly sweet friend. 

***

Photo

2022 SLAMMED

*****

If you'd like attend the banquet, sponsor a table, make a one time donation or become monthly ministry partner CLICK HERE.

P.H.P. [2022 Table Sponsor]

PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE

18 YEARS!!!!  

Thank you P.H.P. for sponsoring 2 tables for GTD’s Annual Fundraiser Banquet!  We are blown away as this is your 18th year in a row to sponsor tables for this very important event!  Thank you for your support and generosity!  We appreciate you and all you do to help the people of our community here in Pinellas Park. 

*****

People Helping People is a non-profit organization with goals aimed at helping low income, elderly, or disabled Pinellas Park homeowners improve their property when in need.

People Helping People

"Ordinary People Working Together To Accomplish Extraordinary Things!"

***

PHOTO

2022 BKPK JACKS RIVER TRAIL

*****

If you'd like attend the banquet, sponsor a table, make a one time donation or become monthly ministry parter click HERE

 

We had a FANTASTIC family Thanksgiving!!

  

We had a FANTASTIC family Thanksgiving complete with delicious food, fun & games, a campfire, an outdoor movie, and attended by special guests - Birddog & The Ambassador (AKA: Mom & Dad)!! It was perfect and special in so many ways!

  

It was so great to bring Mom home for the first time in over 6 months! The day was full of special and cherished moments with Mom & Dad that we may never have again... and that was the purpose of this Thanksgiving... MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!! Thank You JESUS & thank you volunteers!!!

  

Over the past 2 weeks a small army of friends and family came over each day to help me transform a cluttered mess into a less cluttered comfy hangout ready to host our family Thanksgiving (and more fun get-togethers in the future AS WELL AS a nice area to enjoy as we continue all the other renovations).

  

The Family of God / Body of Christ is one of The Greatest Wonders of The World! Everyday I would get an unexpected text or phone call from a friend or family member asking if they could help me do some work that day. It was amazing! It was a daily answer to prayer!

  

We moved a massive amount of GTD gear from inside my house to a storage container in the backyard (and organized about 80% of it!). We cleared out most of one bedroom and made a temporary bedroom for Dad so he didn't have to sleep in the livingroom. We hauled off old outdoor furniture and replaced it with new & improved stuff (we had several volunteers who spent several hours just assembling outdoor furniture and games). We had the PODS container hauled off and removed. We tidied up the livingroom and dining room and decorated for Thanksgiving. We tore down old fencing, dug up old fence posts, built new framework for the back gate and relocated that gate 10 feet further back to the property line to maximize our trailer and truck storage. We moved bricks, busted up concrete, raked leaves, built a trashcan area, and built 2 fire rings. We installed hose reels and assembled outdoor heaters. We added 16 super comfortable Adirondack chairs, 4 zero gravity chairs, a complete outdoor sofa/dining set, a swinging bench, several strings of hanging lights, a waterproof outdoor stereo system, and finished creating an outdoor movie screen my parents and I started building together 4 years ago!! I now like to refer to our outdoor movie area as "Shantytown Theater" where admission is free, but attendees may help with a home improvement project ;) . We watched the edited version of Planes, Trains, & Automobiles (a classic comedy misadventure of trying to make it home for Thanksgiving... the perfect Turkey Day movie!)

  

In a short period of time we created a nice little hangout that my parents loved! And so did/do I! I hope I don't leave anyone out in my list of awesome people to thank who sacrificed their free time to help me, but my profound thanks to Tom & Cindy, Diane, the Routman family, the Zeitler family, the Vescovi family, 3 fantastic college students from Southeastern University, my Dad, Laurie, Lauren, my right hand man - Carson, and a friend who asked to remain unrecognized who has helped me once a week for 2 months putting in 10, 12, & 13 hour intense work days!! From the bottom of my heart - THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!! We did it!! BECAUSE OF YOU WE DID IT!

  

Thank you to all of you for your prayers, support, & encouragement! They helped us more than you may ever know until we get to Heaven.

SALCE FAMILY [2022 TABLE SPONSOR]

 

Thank you so much to my [Laurie] parents for sponsoring a table again for GTD’s Annual Fundraiser Banquet. 

One of my favorite memories with my parents has been going on a GTD Costa Rica Mission Trip with them. The experience and the impact it made on all of us was life changing and I will forever cherish that time together serving on the mission field in one of my most favorite places. 

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your love, support, and encouragement.  And from all of us from GTD, thank you for your partnership in ministry year after year.  WE LOVE YOU! 

***

PHOTO

2022 ZSOM CR MISSION TRIP

*****

To learn more about GTD, to attend the banquet, sponsor a table or make a donation, go to: GTD BANQUET by clicking HERE

Update On Mom (Sad News)

We got sad news a couple of days ago that our Mom has officially entered into the final stages of Alzheimer's, and Hospice is recommended. We definitely didn't see that coming right now. We don't know how long she has before she goes to Heaven... could be months... could be a year... God only knows. Mom is one tough woman so I wouldn't bet against her. Thankfully she still remembers all of us and is so sweet & precious to be with. Unfortunately one of the many downsides of late stage Alzheimer's is that she losses her appetite and stops eating the types & amounts of food her body needs. This causes malnourishment, and that causes her body to start slowly shutting down. Mom has lost a lot of weight over the last 4 months. She isn't getting the proteins and nutrients needed for her body to help heal small cuts & scrapes which exposes her to infections. Small wounds that her body would easily heal when she is well nourished become openings to potential life threatening infections. Hospice screened her on Saturday and began wound treatment and other treatments today. Mom is still fully alive, enjoying her days, and staying active in a wheelchair at Seasons in Belleair (a WONDERFUL longterm memory care facility) so nothing is imminent, but she does have an infected wound on her ankle that other wound care specialists have been working on for nearly a month. Now Hospice is taking over her treatment and wound care. It's possible that Mom responds well to their wound treatment approach, but Alzheimer's attacks from many different angles so each week can bring new battles. For the past few years we have treated every holiday like it could be Mom's last. We are especially feeling that now. This may be our last Thanksgiving with Mom so we are doing everything we can to make it extra special. A couple of years ago my Sister and I had one goal: Help Mom live to her 90th birthday! Now we are shooting for her 92nd birthday in March. Mom has been blessed with a long life, and we have been blessed beyond measure to have her in our lives for many many years. I can't imagine life without her, but I can picture her completely whole and healed and joyfully dancing with Jesus in Heaven! That's a beautiful picture indeed. But, until then, we will especially cherish the moments we have with her in the days, weeks, and months ahead. Thank you all for your love and prayers! They have helped us all persevere through this journey! We are forever grateful!!

 

 

.

TRAIL LIFE [2022 TABLE SPONSOR]

 

Trail Life USA is a Church-Based, Christ-Centered, Boy-Focused mentoring and discipleship journey that speaks to the heart of a boy.  Established on timeless values derived from the Bible and set in the context of outdoor adventure, boys from Kindergarten through 12th grade are engaged in a Troop setting by male mentors where they are challenged to grow in character, understand their purpose, serve their community, and develop practical leadership skills to carry out the mission for which they were created.  

Troop 901 meets at Grace Christian Fellowship in Largo on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month from 7-8:15 p.m..

Thank you Trail Life for the important and amazing work you do with the next generation.  Also, thank you so much for sponsoring a table at GTD's Annual Banquet!  

To learn more about Trail Life go to: TRAIL LIFE by clicking this link.

*****

To learn more about GTD, to attend the banquet, sponsor a table or make a donation click HERE.  

J.A.G. / Jerry & Ann Garner [2022 Table Sponsor]

J.A.G. / JERRY & ANN GARNER [2022 TABLE SPONSORS]

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to Jerry & Ann Garner, Doug’s parents who have given so generously from the inception of GTD up until now. 

They have been a rock and a strong pillar to this ministry.  From financial giving, prayers, 

providing an original office base, donating food and goods for trips, cooking, coming to the 

rescue in times of need [flat tires, broken down vehicles] volunteering to help, to so much 

more that we could ever list here. 

For them, this ministry has been an extension of who they are….giving, supportive, helpful, 

generous, passionate, kind, thoughtful, prayerful, loving, loyal, supportive and caring. 

It’s not an understatement to say Jerry and Ann’s love and dedication to GTD has 

been a ministry of the heart and that God has used them in a mighty way to help grow, build 

and sustain the ministry.  Together they have helped GTD to impact many lives over the years. 

THANK YOU!!!! Thank you for your double BROZE Table Sponsorship!
WE LOVE YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!  

***
Photo
IGNITE 2022

*****

To learn more about GTD, to attend the banquet, sponsor a table or make a donation 

go to: https://gtdbullhorn.blogspot.com/p/annual-banquet-pppac.html

GTD GETS PUMPED UP!! ...CHECK OUT OUR NEW INFLATABLES!

 

We are "PUMPED UP" about adding our newest activity >>> inflatables for kids!! Over the last couple of years we have had more & more families with young children participate on our camping trips so we are adding more & more activity options for the little ones. At last month's Fall Retreat we introduced our 2 NEW INFLATABLES and they were a HUGE HIT for the kids (and a big blessing to the parents)!! The kids played on them non-stop! It captivated their attention while giving them a safer activity to expend all their kid energy. I guess you could say we are fighting agaisnt a "deflating" camp experience with inflatables LOL. 

 

It will also open up more event opportunities for GTD such as birthday parties, church picnics, rentals, and more.

 

It's just one more way GTD got even better in 2022!! 

 

Our special thanks to our generous donors and supporters who help enable us to add-on quality equipment to enhance the camp experience, to help kids fall in love with camping, and to help create family & friendship bonding experiences through shared activities. 

 

PS: Yes, that's a goat in the picture! Whenever possible, the ONE-AND-ONLY Stacy Meunier brings one of his goats on GTD events... aaaaaaaaand the kids love it! Well, actually, people of all ages love it!!

 

 

.

Thank You Graystone Solutions!! [2022 TABLE SPONSOR]

Graystone Solutions

Thank you for your generosity Brandon Hanes of Graystone Solutions for sponsoring a Silver Table Sponsorship for GTD’s Annual Fundraiser Banquet!

Brandon has been a long standing participant and partner with GTD over the many years we have known him.

Graystone is an IT company that focuses on helping drug rehab centers. For more information about Graystone check out their website at: https://graystone.solutions/

Please keep Brandon in your prayers as he is having a knee replacement the same day as our banquet.


***PHOTO***
PADDLE PROWL 2022

*****

To learn more about GTD, to attend the banquet, sponsor a table or make a donation go to: https://gtdbullhorn.blogspot.com/p/annual-banquet-pppac.html
Carson Vescovi Doug Garner Traci Garner Vescovi Stacy Alan Meunier

There's S'MORE to GTD than just fun activities!

 

There's S'MORE to GTD than just fun activities! Plan to join us for a sweeeeeet time on one of our God-awesome events in 2023!! 

 

GTD's 2023 Public Event Calendar to be revealed & Pre-Registrations begin on the night of November 29th at our Annual Banquet at the Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center!

 

Hope to see you there!

 

CLICK HERE FOR BANQUET DETAILS

 

*Special thanks to one of our participants who took this picture at our Fall Retreat last month :) 

 

 

.

SAY HELLO TO GIGANTI-SLIDE! ...GTD's 100 FT SLIP'N SLIDE!!

 

On our last retreat GTD introduced our newest addition - a 100 ft slip'n slide! I like to call her Giganti-Slide!! It was an absolute blast! I loved it as much as the kids did haha!! GTD is doing more & more family events so we are adding on activities that can include small children (or in this case - all ages). This is just one more way GTD got even better in 2022 =). Thank you generous supporters for making this possible!!!! GTD is making God-awesome memories & bonding families together one event & one activity at a time =) 

 

 

 

.