Thank You Dancing Goat Coffee!

The other night on our Facebook Live I mentioned a few surprises we have for our attendees the night of the banquet...WELL...if you're a coffee-lover, you're going to love this!  

Thanks to Brendan Smith with Dancing Goat Coffee freshly roasted by Batdorf Bronson we will have a coffee bar that evening with a variety of roasts to try including a decaf!  

BATDORF & BRONSON® COFFEE ROASTERS AND DANCING GOATS® COFFEE: A MATCH MADE IN COFFEE HEAVEN

LOW-IMPACT PROCESS. HIGH-IMPACT COFFEE. A BETTER WAY TO BREW.

OVER 30 YEARS OF SMART, SUSTAINABLE, EXCEPTIONAL COFFEE IN YOUR CUP

To learn more about Dancing Goat Coffee go to their FB page, Youtube Video and/or website: 

Website:  https://www.dancinggoats.com/pages/about-us

Youtube: https://youtu.be/165-L98c7xA

Facebook: link above in post

Thank you Brendan Smith and Dancing Goat Coffee to help make our 25th Anniversary Banquet a special night!  We look forward to having you!

Thank You Schmidt Home Team!

 DEBBIE SCHMIDT HOME TEAM 
[BRONZE TABLE]

Thank you Debbie Schmidt and The Schmidt Home Team for sponsoring a table for the 3rd year in a row!   What a blessing!  

Debbie was Doug's top-notch realtor who helped him find and close on his very first house in 2018!  Doug will always be very grateful to Debbie for all the hard work, education, and professionalism she provided for him throughout the home buying process.  

Debbie brings energy and passion to every situation; most importantly marketing your home. She has built strong relationships with all of her past clients and considers a referral the highest form of a compliment she could receive.

​​Thank you so much Debbie Garfield Schmidt! For more information about Debbie and her team go to: 

http://www.schmidthometeam.com

*****

If you'd like to sponsor a table at GTD's Annual Fundraiser Banquet or register for this event please go to: https://gtdbullhorn.blogspot.com/p/annual-banquet-tonne-playhouse.html 

Thank You Fredrick James Accounting!

 Fredrick James Accounting 
[Platinum Table Sponsor]

We have made Fredrick James Accounting an honorary table sponsor for all the time and services they have so generously have provided GTD over the many years!  

As GTD’s accountants, Fred and Crystal have used their gifts and talents to bless 

GTD in many ways.  

Thank you, Fred, Crystal, and the entire staff at Fredrick James Accounting for providing GTD with such incredible customer service and for saving the ministry hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years!  

From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU SO MUCH!   

We highly recommend Fredrick James Accounting for your accounting needs.

https://www.fredrickjames.com/

Thank You Wright Family!

 Wright Family 
[Bronze Table Sponsor]

Thank you Karri, Big Mike, and Krista for sponsoring a table at this year's banquet!  We are so honored that you would do this as a family and can’t wait to see you all in person!  

This is a family who has been on several of our trips over the years and with who I was able to spend time serving on the mission field with in Costa Rica!  They are one in a million...special people!     

*****

If you'd like to sponsor a table at GTD's Annual Fundraiser Banquet or register for this event please go to: https://gtdbullhorn.blogspot.com/p/annual-banquet-tonne-playhouse.html

Thank You Carrabba's!

We are thrilled to have Carrabba's of Clearwater catering our GTD Annual Banquet again this year as we celebrate 25 years of ministry!  

As a non-profit, Carrabba's has always offered us special pricing to help with our fundraiser and yet never skimps on the service or quality they bring to the table!   For that, we are very grateful! 

Thank you Carrabba's for providing an amazing dinner for our event and for your professionalism, hospitality, and generosity!  You are a true blessing and we highly recommend your services!  

  

Carrabba's Italian Grill (2680 Gulf To Bay Blvd, Clearwater, FL)

THIS IS WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO! ....COME HEAR TAYLOR'S JOURNEY TO JESUS NEXT TUES NIGHT!!!

 

 

Here's a glimpse at one of the testimonies that we will be highlighting at our Annual Banquet next week. Taylor joined us for SLAMMED this year... come hear how God used that event to draw her to Jesus... I get chills whenever I watch this 74 second video... this is why we do what we do =)

 

It's so much more than camping trips and fun adventures... it's about going into God's amazing creation and being changed by Jesus. Outdoor fun without substance is just empty calories... it doesn't sustain the soul. But finding Jesus while surrounded by the majesty of His amazing creation leaves the soul filled up and fully satisfied.

 

Thank you to all of our volunteers, supporters, donors, encouragers, prayer warriors, Ministry Partners, and staff... you share in this fruit because you shared in the work of the ministry.

 

Glory to God!!

 

==================

 EVENT: 2021 GTD Annual Banquet

 LOCATION: Central Park Performing Arts Center - Tonne Playhouse

 ADDRESS: 105 Central Park Drive, Largo, FL 33771

 DATE: Nov 16th (Tuesday night)

 TIME: 6:30p - 9p

 DRESS: Semi-Formal / Business Attire

 CATERER: Carrabba's Italian Grill

 INCLUDES: 50/50, Balloon Pops, Raffles, Highlight Videos, Testimonials, & more

 

------------------

 Banquet Website Link

------------------

 

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Going The Distance Adventure Ministry

God-awesome Adventures Since 1996!

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.

PTL!!! ...$10,140 PLEDGED BY 9 PEOPLE WHO SIGNED-UP TO BE MONTHLY DONORS!! ....THAT ALL ADDS UP TO MAKE A BIG IMPACT!

 

Wow, we are so blessed to be surrounded by such amazing and generous supporters! Nine different families and individuals have already signed up to be GTD Monthly Partners for the next 12 months! We call that doing a "12 Month Tour-of-Duty"... and anyone who signs up to be a monthly donor of $10+/mth or makes a one time donation of $100 or more are referred to as "GTD Ministry Partners". Our symbol for Ministry Partners is a pillar because they are literally supporting the work of the ministry. Most of the nine people who just signed up as monthly donors live outside of the area or are unable to attend this year's Annual Banquet, but they still wanted to support the cause. Wow, we are always jaw dropped by our supporters! We never assume anyone can support GTD or that anyone can sign back up for another 12 Month Tour-of-Duty so we are always blown away when someone does. Signing up to be a monthly donor is a great way to support GTD and make a BIG impact. Thank you so much to these 9 amazing and generous people/families... you just impact this ministry and the people we serve in a powerful way! God bless you!!!

 

To find out more about becoming a GTD monthly donor click on this link: 

https://gtdbullhorn.blogspot.com/p/monthly-partners.html

 

If you are in the area and would like to attend our Annual Banquet on Nov 16th click on this link for more details and to RSVP:

https://gtdbullhorn.blogspot.com/p/annual-banquet-tonne-playhouse.html

 

To God be the glory!!

 

--------------------------------------

Going The Distance Adventure Ministry

God-awesome Adventures Since 1996!

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CHECK OUT THIS YEAR'S FREEBEE'S TO ALL BANQUET ATTENDEES!!

 

In celebration of 25 years of ministry all year we have been giving out FREE GTD Soda Can Glasses w/ Coasters to all of our participants. Well, that freebee continues on into our Annual Banquet!! All attendees will receive their choice of a FREE soda can glass or aluminum cup upon arrival (or a third choice if supplies run out).

 

We have over 150 people registered to attend the banquet! We have room for 250... most people register in the final week. Come out and celebrate with us, and leave with some cool freebee's, a full belly, and a full heart!

 

Thank you for supporting GTD and helping propel us into our next quarter of a century of impact for the Kingdom of God! 

 

==================

Banquet Details, Registration Page, & Website Link:

==================

GOAL: Raise $100,000 by Jan 31, 2022

EVENT: 2021 GTD Annual Banquet

LOCATION: Central Park Performing Arts Center - Tonne Playhouse

ADDRESS: 105 Central Park Drive, Largo, FL 33771

DATE: Nov 16th (Tuesday night)

TIME: 6:30p - 9p

DRESS: Semi-Formal / Business Attire

CATERER: Carrabba's Italian Grill

INCLUDES: 50/50, Balloon Pops, Raffles, Highlight Videos, Testimonials, & more

 

------------------

Registration Link

Banquet Website Link

Fundraising Tally

------------------

 

--------------------------------------

Going The Distance Adventure Ministry

God-awesome Adventures Since 1996!

--------------------------------------

 

 

.

IT'S A MIRACLE!! ...JAN - JUNE PUBLIC EVENTS READY! ....FREE & $26 EVENTS RETURN IN 2022!

 

Seven GTD Public Events for the first half of 2022 are already planned out and the websites are built!! 

 

Events include Swamp Thing, Paddle Prowl, Ignite, Liquid, Sidewinder, Crammed, & Slammed!!

 

Aaaaaaaaand BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND >>> ALL of these events are either FREE or ONLY $26 per person (including 2-day & 5-day adventures)!!!

 

We SOLD OUT on almost all of these events earlier this year and welcomed so many new faces into the ministry. We ran some of biggest and best Public Events ever and just couldn't resist offering our participants some of the best adventure deals on the planet!!

 

We are kicking off registrations for most of these events at our Annual Banquet on November 16th before we open up online registrations soon there after.

 

If you want to register in-person for any of these events come on out (just make sure you RSVP in advance) to our Annual Banquet in Largo, Florida on the night of Nov 16th as we celebrate 25 years of ministry!!

 

For more information about the Annual Banquet click here: 

https://gtdbullhorn.blogspot.com/p/annual-banquet-tonne-playhouse.html?m=1

 

To read all the details about each GTD Public Event click on our Blogsite and scroll down to the 2022 Public Events menu: 

https://gtdbullhorn.blogspot.com/?m=1

 

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Going The Distance Adventure Ministry

God-awesome Adventures Since 1996!

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THE GTD HATS, BEANIES, & SWEATBANDS HAVE ARRIVED!! THANK YOU SO MUCH AXCELMARK!

Instead of GTD T-shirts this year we went with GTD hats, beanies, & sweatbands as our main gift to donors of $100 or more (or monthly pledges of $10 or more x 12 months). We love how they turned out, and we can't thank Chuck Stewart of AxCelMark Corporation enough!!
 
* Note: If you did not receive your GTD T-shirt(s) / Donor Gift(s) last year because we had to do the banquet virtually then you can still pick it up at this year's banquet. If you are signing back up to support GTD again this year then you will be able to pick up last year's item(s) along with your choice of this year's headwear. If you are unable to attend the banquet or live outside of the area then we will drop off or mailout your Donor Gift(s) after the banquet.
 
This is just a small way that we can say THANK YOU SO MUCH for supporting the work of the ministry!
 
If you would like to donate & support the cause then here is the link to our Annual Banquet website: https://gtdbullhorn.blogspot.com/p/annual-banquet-tonne-playhouse.html?m=1

 

 

.

THANK YOU KIWANIS

KIWANIS OF PINELLAS PARK

[BRONZE TABLE SPONSOR]

There is so much for us to be thankful for after 25 years of ministry and the Kiwanis of Pinellas Park is one of them!  This is the 12th year Kiwanis has sponsored a table for GTD’s Annual Fundraiser Banquet. We are blessed by their support and by all they do for the community!  From the bottom of our hearts, thank you! 

*****

Kiwanis of Pinellas Park conducts a variety of events, projects, and fundraisers to help support initiatives that benefit the children of our community in conjunction with Kiwanis, a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time since 1960. We meet for lunch every Thursday at noon and host a monthly social on the third Wednesday of each month. Everyone is welcome. We hope you will enjoy our hospitality and learn about our many service projects. No invitation is needed to attend a meeting.

The Kiwanis Club of Pinellas Park has been serving the community since 1960. We find that being a member of Kiwanis is one way we can help keep Pinellas Park one of the best places to live. Whether you’re raising a family or retired, The Kiwanis Club of Pinellas Park is a great way to stay active, give back to your community, and make new contacts.

To learn more about the Kiwanis of Pinellas Park visit their website at: 

https://www.pinellasparkkiwanis.org/

*****

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

https://gtdbullhorn.blogspot.com/p/annual-banquet-tonne-playhouse.html

$2000 RESTRICTED DONATION!! ...FOR NEW LARGE CAPACITY GTD WASHER & DRYER SET!!!

 

One of the best and humbling parts of being involved in a non-profit organization is the amazing and generous people we meet and get to do life with. One incredible couple wanted to know what one of GTD's most immediate practical needs is. Over the summer the GTD washer & dryer broke down... that means many trips to the landromat or to friends & family. With the large volume of sleeping bags, cot sheets, towels, etc, etc that we wash & dry on a regular bases we've found that a reliable large capacity washing machine and dryer is one of our most immediate practical needs. Without hesitation this awesome couple sent a check for $2000 for the purchase of a new large capacity washer & dryer set!!! In the non-profit world that is referred to as a "restricted donation" given to be used for a specific purpose. Wow, we are once again blown away by the love and support we receive from a small but mighty army of generous people! Thank you so much to these awesome friends of GTD who saw a need and took the initiative to meet that need!!! We are so blessed to have you as part of the GTD family!! And hopefully we can do your laundry for you whenever you need a break hahaha!! God bless you awesome donors!!! 

 

 

.

WHAT'S EVEN BIGGER & BETTER THAN A $10,000 DONATION???...A $10,000 + $1 DONOR MATCH CHALLENGE DONATION!!!

 

Wowwwww, I thought yesterday's GREAT news about receiving a $10,000 donation couldn't get any better. Well, this morning I received a text from our all-time Top Donor who said that they want to do something extra special to commemorate our 25th Anniversary... so they are going to top yesterday's enormous donation by one dollar in the form of a $10,001 Donor Match Challenge... they will match all donations received so far and going forward dollar-for-dollar up to $10,001 total!!!! That means that every dollar you donate will get doubled by them until we hit their $10,001 amount... Basically your donations plus their matching donations has the potential of becoming $20,002!!! WOW!!! That's a HUGE deal to us!!

 

We can't thank this special couple enough!!!! Their investments into this ministry over the years have helped to build what GTD is today! They've helped sustain us, maintain us, and propel us! We are so blessed and thrilled to have their partnership in this ministry! If you have every been on a GTD event then you have directly experienced the impact of their generous giving through the GTD equipment and gear you've used. Thank you so much Mr & Ms Anonymous!!! Your impact is already stretching into our next 25 years of ministry!!

 

Follow our daily tally updates of funds raised on this link: https://gtdbullhorn.blogspot.com/p/fundraising-tracking.html

 

Thank you for supporting GTD and helping propel us into our next quarter of a century of impact for the Kingdom of God! 

 

 

.

PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE

[2 BRONZE TABLES]

THANK YOU PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE for being our 4th and 5th Table Sponsor for GTD's ANNUAL BANQUET!!!!

This is the 17TH YEAR PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE of Pinellas Park has sponsored 2 tables for GTD's Annual Fundraiser Banquet.   

Thank you People Helping People for the work that you do and for your continued support of the ministry.  We are deeply touched by your sponsorship.  

Thank you for all you do for our community.

*****

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!"

*****

If you'd like to become a virtual sponsor for GTD's Annual Fundraiser Banquet  please go to: https://gtdbullhorn.blogspot.com/p/annual-banquet-tonne-playhouse.html

THANK YOU - LAURIE FINGER [REALTOR]

Laurie Finger [Realtor] - Vanessa Leonard Group

Keller Williams Realty [BRONZE TABLE SPONSOR]

***** 

Our 3rd Table Sponsor for GTD's Annual Fundraiser Banquet comes from me [Laurie who is writing this]! Personally, I am very excited to be able to sponsor a table at this year's annual banquet after 14 years of being a part of GTD! I have been a participant, served as a volunteer, and have been on staff for 13 years. I am currently GTD's Rica Missions Director and Prosperity Director. 

In addition, I have been working with the Vanessa Leonard Group for 2 years and feel this position with the team has been a true answer to prayer. I am grateful to be able to share with GTD the fruit of my labor as a Table Sponsor and a Monthly Ministry Partner. GTD is truly is a ministry I believe in and continue to work with part-time. 

Vanessa and I originally met when Vanessa & her husband attended a GTD trip to Utah. Not long after the trip, God opened the door for me to join Vanessa’s team. The team consists of 8 amazing and talented individuals with over 37 years of experience in the real estate market! Consistently the team and Vanessa rank in the top 1% of the company as well as with the Pinellas Board of Realtors. 

Our clients are very important to us and we work hard to make sure they have a smooth experience from beginning to end. Whether you are looking to buy or sell the Vanessa Leonard Group and myself are here to help with all your real estate needs! 

For more information about the Vanessa Leonard Group go to: https://www.vanessasellinghomes.com/ Or reach out to me personally! 

*****

If you'd like to sponsor a table at GTD's Annual Fundraiser Banquet or register for this event please go to: https://gtdbullhorn.blogspot.com/p/annual-banquet-tonne-playhouse.html

GTD RECEIVES A $10,000 DONATION! ...WHAT A WAY TO KICK OFF OUR FUNDRAISING SEASON!!

 

We have an amazing local anonymous supporting entity that has magnanimously (the biggest word we know to describe extreme generosity) supported the non-profit mission of GTD to the tune of an extremely generous (we just had to say it one more time!) $10,000 DONATION!!!

 

WOW!!! We will never stop being blown away by people's generosity & support of this ministry... whether it's $10 or $10,000... we are always humbled and jaw-dropped that anyone would donate their funds towards our mission and vision. WOW!!!

 

My goal in this lifetime is to invent a new phrase to express our deep heartfelt gratitude... for now, the only phrase we have is this - THANK YOU SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO MUCH!!!!!! It falls way short of capturing the overflowing gratitude in our hearts for this donation and every donation GTD receives. We not only celebrate the donations we receive we are also fellow donors to this ministry and its cause.

God bless you generous donors!!! May the work that we accomplish by the power of God make you feel like your donation was one of the best investments you've ever made!

 

Follow our daily tally updates of funds raised on this link: https://gtdbullhorn.blogspot.com/p/fundraising-tracking.html

 

Thank you for supporting GTD and helping propel us into our next quarter of a century of impact for the Kingdom of God! 

 

==================

Banquet Details, Registration Page, & Website Link:

==================

GOAL: Raise $100,000 by Jan 31, 2022

EVENT: 2021 GTD Annual Banquet

LOCATION: Central Park Performing Arts Center - Tonne Playhouse

ADDRESS: 105 Central Park Drive, Largo, FL 33771

DATE: Nov 16th (Tuesday night)

TIME: 6:30p - 9p

DRESS: Semi-Formal / Business Attire

CATERER: Carrabba's Italian Grill

INCLUDES: 50/50, Balloon Pops, Raffles, Highlight Videos, Testimonials, & more

------------------

Registration Link: https://gtdbullhorn.blogspot.com/p/rsvp-annual-banquet.html

Banquet Website Link: https://gtdbullhorn.blogspot.com/p/annual-banquet-tonne-playhouse.html

Fundraising Tally: https://gtdbullhorn.blogspot.com/p/fundraising-tracking.html

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Going The Distance Adventure Ministry

God-awesome Adventures Since 1996!

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.

ADVENTURES BUILD FAMILY BONDS! ...MOTHER & DAUGHTER TAKE THE ADVENTUREOUS ROUTE TOGETHER!

 

I love this picture of a young mother and daughter choosing the more adventurous route to our rock climbing location during SLAMMED 2021. Never underestimate the bonding power of sharing an adventure together!

 

GTD encourages you to get out and play in God's amazing playground!!

 

--------------------------------------

Going The Distance Adventure Ministry

God-awesome Adventures Since 1996!

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THANK YOU HOFSTEDE FAMILY!

THE HOFSTEDE FAMILY

 [BRONZE TABLE SPONSOR]

 

Wow, our 2nd table sponsorship for GTD's Annual Banquet comes from one of our LONGEST standing Ministry Partners of 19 years, The Hofstede Family! 

From being a young married couple to a family with children they’ve always found a way to be involved!  

 

From being participants,  volunteers, Ministry Partners, to table sponsors. 

From Costa Rica mission trips to stateside Adventure Trips, paddles, caving, camping, and so much more they have and continue to do it all! 

Thank you Hofstede Family, we are blown away by your love and unwavering support of GTD!   

FAT FINGER CONSTRUCTION - THANK YOU!

THANK YOU FAT FINGER CONSTRUCTION FOR BEING GTD's 1st 

TABLE SPONSOR FOR OUR ANNUAL BANQUET!!!!

[GOLD TABLE SPONSOR]

 

Thank you to our Ministry Partners David and Courtney Berry of Fat Finger Construction for sponsoring a table at GTD’s Annual Fundraiser Banquet!  Your partnership and support in this ministry is and has always been a beautiful gift.  Thank you very much for another sponsorship this year!

 

*****

 

Fat Finger Constructions comes highly recommended by many satisfied customers.  Fat Finger specializes in Kitchen and Bath Remodels, New Home Construction, Room Additions, Commercial & Residential Remodeling, and Hardwood Floor Sand & Refinishing.

 

What customers have to say:

“You get quality work at a reasonable price dealing with great people. You won't be disappointed. " -Dan

 

“The attention to detail, expertise and cleanliness is far above and beyond my expectations. Incredibly thorough and trustworthy!" -Anita

 

“Best contractor experience I have ever had.” -Gene

"David Berry was the contractor I hired to do the entire demolition and rebuilding of my kitchen, laundry room and breakfast area. Mr. Berry worked with me on an almost daily basis to ensure the project met my specifications, went on schedule and produced the desired result." -Mr Willis

 

To learn more about Fat Finger Construction visit their website at:

https://fatfingerconstruction.com

 

*****

If you'd like to sponsor a table at GTD's Annual Fundraiser Banquet or register for this event please go to: https://gtdbullhorn.blogspot.com/p/annual-banquet-tonne-playhouse.html

 

OUR BANQUET THEME & ONGOING GTD MANTRA >>> "GREATER THINGS ARE YET TO COME!"

  

As we drive this adventurous road of ministry we check our rearview mirror and celebrate 25 years of progress, 25 years of overcoming, 25 years of lives impacted... and then we look over at the Driver's seat and see a God who strongly upholds this mission (2 Chronicles 16:9a) and shows no signs of easing off the gas... then we look ahead piercing through a large clean windshield at the beautiful mountain ranges that lie ahead of us... and that's when it hits us... that's when we realize >>> GREATER THINGS ARE YET TO COME!

 

Buckle up your seatbelts friends! God's got the pedal to the metal and miles of adventures still ahead of us! He has increased the passenger seating... jump aboard and get ready for the ride of a lifetime as we kickoff our next 25 years of ministry!!

 

We love the adventurous roads that God takes us on!! GREATER THINGS ARE YET TO COME!!

 

 

.

100 FREE TICKETS TO CELEBRATE 25 YEARS! ...TABLE SPONSORSHIPS BEGIN TOMORROW! .....FUNDRAISING TALLY STARTS NOV 1st!

 

We consider The GTD Annual Banquet to be our most important event each year. So to keep in step with our 2020 theme of FREE EVENTS (or extremely inexpensive events) we are kicking off this year's Annual Banquet registration with 100 FREE BANQUET TICKETS! Tickets usually sell for $25 each (or 2 for $40). We have super-sized our venue this year so we have room for more people, more enlarged pictures, and more "historical GTD artifacts".  As always, our Annual Banquet is being catered by everyone's favorite Italian Restaurant - Carrabba's - so you are guaranteed to have a delicious night while we celebrate 25 years of ministry and prepare for our 26th year of outrageous God-awesome adventures =)
 
In addition, Table Sponsorships officially begin tomorrow (Oct 26th). Table Sponsorships are a great way to:
<> Help GTD hit our fundraising goal of raising $100k by Jan 31st
<> Highlight your business or honor your loved one(s)
<> Reserve a table of 8 for your family & friends
<> Secure a table closer to the main stage
<> Get FREE GTD SWAG for you & your guests
On Nov 1st we officially begin tallying up funds raised and highlighting that good news on our blogsite and social media platforms.
 
Thank you in advance for supporting GTD and helping propel us into our next quarter of a century of impact for the Kingdom of God! 
 
==================
Banquet Details, Registration Page, & Website Link:
==================
EVENT: 2021 GTD Annual Banquet
LOCATION: Central Park Performing Arts Center - Tonne Playhouse
ADDRESS: 105 Central Park Drive, Largo, FL 33771
DATE: Nov 16th (Tuesday night)
TIME: 6:30p - 9p
DRESS: Semi-Formal / Business Attire
CATERER: Carrabba's Italian Grill
INCLUDES: 50/50, Balloon Pops, Raffles, Highlight Videos, Testimonials, & more
------------------
Registration Link
Banquet Website Link
Fundraising Tally Link
------------------
 
We can't wait to see you! God bless you and thank you for supporting GTD!!
 
 
.

BUILDING SOMETHING

We are building something that I've always wanted to build.

 

 

.

4 WEEKS TILL OUR ANNUAL BANQUET!! ...SAVE THE DATE (Tues Night - NOV 16, 2021) .....CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!

  

Wow, it is already that time of the year when we prepare to get all dressed up and gather together to celebrate all that God did this year and prepare for all that He is going to do next year! 

 

Since we are celebrating our 25th year of ministry (thank You Jesus!) we supersized the venue (right next door to our regular venue) and we are bringing back Carrabba's to cater the event (Can you say "Chicken Marsala"?!). We have so much to celebrate! 

 

Whether you're an old school GTD'er or a newbie or somewhere in-between or maybe you just want to learn more about GTD, we would love to have you at what we consider our most important event of the year! 

 

Aaaaaaaaaand we could use a lot of help preparing for our BIG night! 

For the next 4 weeks our tentative volunteer schedule is:

 <> Mondays & Fridays (10am - 10pm... whenever you can arrive till whenever you need to leave) 

 <> and either Saturday (10a - 7p) or Sunday afternoon (1p-7p) (we alternate each week based on our Caregiving schedule)

 <> Location: Doug's house

 <> Snacks & hydration provided

 

For more information about our Annual Banquet click on this link

 

 

Going The Distance Adventure Ministry, Inc

Celebrating 25 Years of Ministry

To God Be The Glory!

 

 

.

VOLUNTEERING THE EXTRA MILE! ...THANK U TEAM HEBERT & WYATT!!

 

GTD has been so blessed to have some of the best volunteers we could have ever imagined. The volume of volunteers ebbs and flows every few years, but the quality of volunteers always stays high. Over the past 2 years we've been blessed to have a phenomenal family step up to take all kinds of volunteer initiative and immensely lighten our load while at the same time blessing us and our participants with their fun-loving attitudes and Christ-like love for others. Earlier this summer they asked me what trip I needed the most help on (I love that question, by the way!). I had one Adventure Trip in June (in NC) with an awesome group called SOUL Adventures that I didn't have any available Staff or Volunteers. Well the Heberts solved that in about 1 day. They rearranged their schedules and moved things around. And just like that we went from 0 volunteers to 6! Not only were they bringing the whole family to help, but they were also bringing a family friend - Wyatt. They loaded up their SUV and drove 650 miles to serve God, serve GTD, and serve SOUL. Aaaaaaaaand wow, did they ever do a great job!! They blessed me personally beyond words, and SOUL absolutely loved them!! We have a saying in GTD for Staff & Volunteers, "You can add to the ministry, but you are not allowed to take away from the ministry." In other words, you can bring any of your talents, giftedness, & special abilities and add to what we already have in place and make it better. But you aren't allowed to bring any drama, or personal issues, or "liabilities" into one of our events and take away from the group's experience. And (once again) wow, did they ever take what we had and make it better!! They poured their hearts and sweat glands into every minute of that trip and we all walked away more blessed by having them there! Thank you Wyatt and Team Hebert for being a HUGE PART of GTD and not only going the distance, but going the extra mile (literally 1300+ round-trip miles on that event alone!) and making this ministry even better!! We are so blessed to have you on Team GTD!

 

 

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FALL IGNITE CANCELLED DUE TO CAMPGROUND CLOSURE!

 

Unfortunately the group campground we had reserved for Oct 29-31 for a special "Ex-Scream" autumn version of IGNITE has been closed down till the end of the year due to "Public Safety Concerns". What are the public safety concerns? Bear activity? The proliferation of pythons? Crazy people causing havoc to campers? Dangerous gases escaping from a nearby cave? I was wondering the same thing so I called and asked. The safety concern culprit is our newest culture phenomenon: A staffing shortage due to the pandemic. There you go... we will roll with it and pivot to a couple different emphasises to finish off the year: (1) Our Annual Banquet (Nov 16th) and (2) Lots of Volunteer Work Days at GTD Headquarters. We've got lots of work projects and banquet preparations to get done as we prepare for 2022 and our 26th year of ministry >>> Praise The Lord!! IGNITE will be back on the calendar for the spring along with a lot of other cool GTD adventures... More info to come!

 

 

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THE FAMILIES THAT ADVENTURE TOGETHER... BUILD LIFELONG BONDS & NEVER-ENDING MEMORIES TOGETHER!!!

One of coolest and most organic developments for GTD in 2021 has been the natural blossoming of a new demographic into our ministry - young families!! We've successfully worked with middle schoolers, high schoolers, young adults, and middle-aged adults... but other than occassional attendance by young families (many times youth pastors with their family or our young volunteers with their family) we haven't had the honor of expanding our impact to young families. Well you can now check that one off of the list. Probably the largest demographic that we served this year was young families. And it happened so organically. We've been wanting to get involved with young families for the past 15+ years, but we've just never had the time to make that push. Well God decided that this year He was going to enlarge our footprint in that directions... and we couldn't be happier! Because of our amazing supporters and donors we've been able to offer our public events this year for FREE or $25 (to celebrate 25 years of ministry). That really blessed a ton of young families to be able to afford a God-awesome adventure for the entire family without breaking the bank. I can't fully put into words (but I'm going to try) what an INCREDIBLE BLESSING these events were to a ton of amazing young families this year. And I also can't tell you (but I'm going to try) just how much these events UNLEASHED so many kids that have been shackled down for the past 18 months and relegated to watching TV and playing on computers instead of being a healthy functioning kid having fun in the great outdoors with other kids. These kids had so much fun day after day... from sunrise to sunset... soaking up every ounce of adventure with new found friends. Aaaaaaaaand the young parents built lifelong bonds & never-ending memories with their spouses and children. It was a HUGE WIN for every family this year and I will be sharing lots of pictures with you in the weeks & months ahead as we prepare for 2022 and an even larger impact in the lives of young families. Pictured here is one of the young families that came on a private event just for families called D.A.R.E. (Dan And Ron's Excellent) Adventure For Families. This photo was taken in front of Rainbow Falls in Sapphire, NC (it was one of our main destinations in 2021). This family had so much fun!!

 

The Best Is Still Ahead!

Going The Distance Adventure Ministry

Celebrating 25 Years of God-awesome Adventures!

To God Be The Glory!!

 

 

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WELCOME TO THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH!

 

This is quickly becoming one of my all-time favorite GTD pictures. A few weeks ago we were blessed to run an Adventure Trip in north GA & NC for about 16 college students of Calvary Chapel Fellowship's Zeal School of Ministry. This is "The Jump Team" made up of 6 of their students along with Stacy & myself preparing to head over to do a 20' cliff jump along side of the mighty, the majestic, the emphasis Rainbow Falls! I can't even begin to tell you how much this crew LOVED this thrilling jump! Getting to the jump was as much of an adventure as the jump itself! This picture makes them look like the "rock" stars that they are! LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this entire group!!

 

Going The Distance Adventure Ministry 

"The Greatest Show On Earth!"

Celebrating 25 Years of God-awesome Adventures!

Praise Jesus!!

 

 

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ONE MORE ELABORATION!

 

It's a couple weeks late, but thank you all so much for all the awesome birthday wishes!! I was blessed to go for a scooter ride from 10pm till 3am with 2 of my all-time best friends (Jon Jano & Bryan Milbourn) along Gulf Boulevard down to the Don CeSar as well as on to Waffle House for a 2am pecan waffle! There's nothing like staying 22 forever haha! We had so much fun reminiscing about so many amazing memories from the past 30 years of friendship including driving out the route from 20 years ago (July 5, 2001) when we chased down a few bank robbers on Gulf Boulevard. At that time in 2001, we were riding motorcycles and as we passed a bank a guy jumped through a window (literally crashing through the glass) and was running from the police. Jano and I circled around to chase down one of the guys (there were 5 guys). As we circled around he was running towards us and I tried to run him over with the motorcycle, but he jumped out of the way and climbed a wall surrounding a condominium. I got off the bike, climbed the wall, and chased him down (along with some other Good Samaritan who gave chase) and we waived the cops over and they arrested him. It was pretty wild and pretty stupid because he could have easily turned around and shot us dead if he had a gun, but my buddy Jano had chased down a guy the week before that was running away from 7/11 with a stolen case of beer. In our friendship we all compete for having a good story to share and Jano had just gotten this great story about chasing down a thief so I had to get my own story to tell as well hahahaha! It's hard to explain irrational behavior so just humor me on this one LOL. Back to the bank robbers... Our buddy Milbourn (still on his motorcycle) had chased down a different guy and cornered him as police arrived to arrest that guy. At the end of the day, they ended up not being your classic bank robbers, but rather counterfeit check writers... so instead of carrying guns they carried fountain pens... but we thought they were classic bank robbers so we were in hot pursuit. The next day when the article came out in the paper there was no mention of us. I mean, I thought we would at least get the key to the city or a small parade or something, but they just left us out of the entire story LOL. Anyways, that was just one of the memories we would make over 30 years of friendship. We could write a book. No one would read it, but at least we would have a story about writing a book haha! Back to my birthday... I had a wonderful time with my family enjoying a nice meal at Red Lobster... a little surf and turf with lobster bisque... one of my favorites. It was a great few days. Thanks for all the b-day love!

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BLURBS, BURSTS, & BLASTS!...MY NEW QUICK COMMUNICATION PLAN =)

 

Since I don't currently have the time to elaborate on all the good things God has done this quarter, this season, or this year I've decided to just upload whatever pictures I can whenever I can along with a quick blurb... or burst... or blast... basically a quick summary to communicate the gist of the matter. In essence, I'm going to use social media like most normal people do haha! I'm very loquacious so just leaving a blurb is a bit unorthodox for me LOL. But, something is better than nothing... and the reality is that when it comes to communicating effectively on social media - less is more. It's just not me, but I'm trying to teach an old do(u)g new tricks ;). I'm sure it's an answer to prayer for many of you haha! Let the blurb'ing begin!!

  

 

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