Helping, Reaching Out.



Image Credit

When I created Shower of Hope Oklahoma, my initial endeavor was to help the Hamil Family.  Having two little boys of my own, their tragedy really hit close to home with me and I've always been passionate about helping children.  From serving in the youth ministry at my local church, to working in the nurseries there, I've always loved working with children.  Jesus esteems children and values them greatly.  In Matthew 19:14, Jesus says, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."  So, whenever an opportunity arises to help a child or children in need, my heart is instantly compelled to help and do something.  During times like these, Matthew 25:40 comes to mind... "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me." 

So, as many of you know, Oklahoma endured severe weather this past weekend.  Strong storms, high winds, hail and tornadoes hit many parts of the state.  Jamai Lyda, a woman that I came to know through the Shower of Hope Oklahoma Facebook page, is helping a young family in need right now.  A young mother who's 8-month pregnant with a baby boy due in May was at home with her 3-year old daughter when a tornado hit the town of Woodward, Oklahoma.  Breanna Parada's home was destroyed by the tornado.  Thankfully, this young mother and her family were unharmed, but lost everything in the storm.  89 homes in Woodward were destroyed along with 13 businesses.  When I heard about this young mother, I instantly wanted to send a care package for her family.  My mom endured a housefire several years ago and any natural disaster is a traumatic experience, so I understand wholeheartedly what this family is enduring. 

I plan on sending a care package to the Parada Family for their soon-to-be baby from Shower of Hope Oklahoma.  My desire is for this care package to be a blessing and an encouragement to them during this difficult time of re-building and starting over.  If you would like to send a care package for the Parada Family, you can send it to:

Covenant Life Christian Church
Re: Parada Family
501 S. Cleveland Street
Enid, Oklahoma 73703

If you live near or around the Enid, Oklahoma area, you can also drop off a donation at Covenant Life Christian Church.  Donation drop-off times are Monday - Saturday from 11am - 6pm.  Breanna Parada wears a size 8/9 in pants and a size large in shirts/blouses.  Her daughter wears 5T/6T and her husband wears 32/34 in pants and size large in shirts.  The church is also accepting clothing of all sizes, baby/toddler items, furniture/appliances, non perishable foods, toiletry items are other essential items for other storm victims.
 
Blessings To You!
Toni Keltner
Shower of Hope Oklahoma

Proposed HB2720 Ryan and Cole Hamil Act.

I hope 2012 is finding you and your family blessed!

I received the following from Hank Hamil's Aunt and wanted to share the information with you:

"Following is post from Catherine Hamil: I just found out that on January 19, 2012, Rep. Richard Morrissette filed HB2720 Ryan and Cole Hamil Act to advise buyers of the storm worthiness of particular homes. The next step will be up to the Speaker of the House to assign the bill to the appropriate committee. Once in committee, citizen supporters of the measure must convince the Chairman of that committee to place the bill on the calendar for consideration. If the bill is not heard, it will not come up for a vote this session. Personal visits to members' offices at the Capitol, letters, emails, and phone calls to committee members, and the Chairman of the committee, are essential.

Hopefully, by getting this bill passed it has the potential to save many lives and encourage the construction industry to make homes better to withstand dangerous weather. Please help in this effort."

Call to action: You can begin your effort to contact members by going on the House website at www.okhouse.gov and checking out all of the options: contact info, calendars, etc.  Let's help get the bill up-and-running!  

Blessings To You!
Toni Keltner
Shower of Hope Oklahoma

A Generous Spirit.

Typically when the holiday season rolls around, most people are compelled to act nicer, be more courteous to others and give to others in need.  I have to admit, I love the change in most people's attitude during Christmas, but I have to wonder why we can't act like this all year round.  Is it too much to ask that we strive to have a more loving and generous spirit about us beyond December 1st - 25th? 

I want to encourage you to continue your generosity, random acts of kindness and cheerfulness all year around.  There are hurting people in the world who need love, help and kindness at all times, not just during the holiday season.  

Wishing you and your family a blessed holiday season!  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from my family to your's!

Blessings To You!
Toni Keltner
Shower of Hope Oklahoma

Donation From Motherlove Herbal Company!

Back in September, Motherlove Herbal Company reached 10,000 fans on their Facebook fan page.  To celebrate, they wanted to give back.  Motherlove Herbal Company asked their fans to help pick an amazing charitable group, charitable non-profit organization to receive a donation.  Motherlove Herbal Company asked fans to leave a comment on the blog posting nominating a worthy charity.  The donation would be made from the Nurturing Life Foundation — which Motherlove Herbal Company funds with a percentage of every item sold.

Shower of Hope Oklahoma was nominated and I'm proud to announce that we were chosen by Motherlove Herbal Company to receive a donation from their Nurturing Life Foundation!  Actually, we were one of several worthy charitable groups that Motherlove Herbal Company chose to bless with a donation.  We're super excited about this honor and are thrilled to be one step closer to officially establishing Shower of Hope Oklahoma as a 501(C)(3) non-profit charitable organization.  The road is long, but I know we'll get there so that we can continue to help and bless Oklahoma families affected by natural disasters!

Blessings To You!

Toni Keltner

Shower of Hope Oklahoma

Babble.com's "Moms Who Are Changing The World"

The initial charitable outreach for the Hamil Family was so successful and my desire is to continue helping other families in the future who are the victims of natural disasters.  My dream has always been to have a foundation or non-profit charity, so that I could be in the position of being a blessing to others.  That dream can become a reality with your help.  I was recently nominated for the www.Babble.com "Moms Who Are Changing The World" contest.  I'm hoping to be one of the lucky winners so that I will have the resources to turn Shower of Hope Oklahoma in a 501(C)(3) non-profit charity.  I'm hoping you'll take the time to visit my nomination page and VOTE for me!  Thanks for the support!

Blessings To You!
Toni Keltner
Shower of Hope Oklahoma

2011 Williams Women of Inspiration

Last month, I had the privilege of being honored as one of the recipients of the Williams Company 2011 Williams Women of Inspiration.  I, along with 4 other Tulsa-area women, were recognized at the July 28th Tulsa Shock WNBA game.  The Williams Women of Inspiration Award  recognizes positive influence, service and dedication in the community.  I was a part of an amazing group of women striving everyday to make a difference in the community and in the state of Oklahoma.  I was blessed to receive this honor because of work with my charitable endeavors Shower of Hope Oklahoma - Hamil Family and Shower of Hope Oklahoma.  

Being recognized in such a public way was a little overwhelming, but I felt so humbled and so blessed.  I think of the passage Luke 16:10: "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much..."  I'm so thankful that God placed this desire in my heart and trusted me to see it through.  I'm glad I was obedient to the calling because God blessed the endeavors of Shower of Hope Oklahoma exceedingly and abundantly.

Not only did the endeavors of Shower of Hope Oklahoma bless the Hamil family and other families in need, but it was such a blessing to me.  I was amazed at the outpouring of love and support from so many people.  Without God, the amazing support of my family and new Shower of Hope Oklahoma friends on Facebook and this blog, this honor wouldn't have been made possible.  Thank you!

My dream, goal and ultimate desire is to continue blessing and helping future families in need.  I have been taking baby steps into turning Shower of Hope Oklahoma into an official 501(C)(3) non-profit charitable organization.  Please keep this goal in your thoughts and prayers.

Blessings To You!
Toni Keltner
Shower of Hope Oklahoma

Hamil Family Dinner and Silent Auction Update

Hello!  I have realized that I hadn't kept the blog updated like I had the Shower of Hope Oklahoma - Hamil Family Facebook page.  Below is an older "Note" from our Facebook page, but wanted to share it on the blog as well!  The Hamil Family Dinner and Silent Auction was held in Oklahoma City on July 15th and was a fabulous event.  I had the honor of playing a small role in the event by procuring three donations!  I had contacted Ree Drummond, the famed "Pioneer Woman," about donating to the auction.  She graciously sent signed copies of her cookbook and her most recent book, "Black Heels To Tractor Wheels."  I also contacted Pops Arcadia who graciously donated some of their awesome soda for the event.  Enjoy reading about the event below!

Hamil Family Dinner and Silent Auction!

What a night!  I so wish many of you could have made it to the Hamil Family Dinner and Auction.  It was a wonderful evening.

My mom (BJ Lardizabal, the other administrator on the Shower of Hope Oklahoma pages) and I traveled to Oklahoma City for the auction.  We didn't want to miss an opportunity to support the Hamil Family.  Hank and Catherine were at the auction, as well as many other family members from the Hamil side and the Hill (Catherine's) side.  I had the pleasure of meeting Hank's brother and father.  Both were super nice and reminded me a lot of Hank.  It was so nice to see Hank, Catherine and other members of their family smiling, laughing and enjoying the festivities.  Catherine looked awesome.  Although, she's very humble and was a little shy about compliments about her.  However, she does look beautiful and is recovering well.  Hank and Catherine walked around the room and were sweet to talk and meet many well-wishers and supporters. 

There were lots of food and sweets to enjoy.  The bake sale was completely sold out by the end of the evening.  My mom helped with that by buying a carrot cake, which came home with me!  She also bought cinnamon rolls and cookies.  I mean, we wanted dessert after dinner!  Doesn't everybody?  :)

There were lots of items to browse, choose from and bid on last night.  The live auction was exciting to watch, too.  However, the highlight of the night was when Hank was presented with 2 full-ride scholarships for Cathleen and Baby Girl Hamil to the University of Oklahoma. I actually knew about the surprise and had to keep it a secret as to not spoil the surprise!  I think Hank was astonished as were many others in the audience.  Talk about an amazing blessing.  Something funny, Hank is an OSU Cowboy fan, but it looks like his daughters will be Sooners!

Shower of Hope Oklahoma - Hamil Family had more goodies to deliver the Hamil family, too.  We walked outside with Hank to load his vehicle.  We chatted for a little bit.  Hank was kind to ask about my husband and wanted to know how was doing.  He also wanted to know how my little boys were doing.  "Hope your little ones are tucked in bed and fast asleep when you get home," he commented.  "I sure hope so!"  I said.  I smiled and Hank smiled, too.  What a great man.  A few minutes later, Catherine came outside.  We had talked with her for a little bit inside earlier in the evening, but hadn't gotten the chance to say goodbye as she was chatting with some other well-wishers and we didn't want to interrupt.  Catherine walked over to the car and hugged me and thanked us for the new goodies that we had delivered.  My mom and I secretly hope that Hank and Catherine would like to move to Broken Arrow and consider being our neighbors.  If you ever have the opportunity to meet them, you'll feel the same way.  They're wonderful people.

Thanks to all of you who helped spread the word on Facebook and by sharing about the dinner/auction with your family and friends.  Thank you!  Thank you, too, for the continued support of Shower of Hope Oklahoma - Hamil Family and our other page, Shower of Hope Oklahoma.  It's been a real pleasure getting to know many of you.  My dream was to have a non-profit, charity one day, and I think that dream is starting to come true.  My desire to to help my fellow Oklahomans and with your help and generosity, we've been able to accomplish just that over the past two months. 

Blessings To You,

Toni Keltner

Shower of Hope Oklahoma