One of the following 5 families will be in Disneyland with my family a month from today.
We’re going to have the best time – soarin’ over California, singing along with It’s A Small World, getting our pictures taken with Mickey Mouse, and laughing our heads off on Splash Mountain. It’s going to be positively magical.
I have to begin by saying thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway. It was a pleasure to read through the essays and hear about what you are doing to impact the world for good. I am inspired by you.
In the end, I printed out all of the essays {without names) and had my husband pick the five finalists anonymously.
Now, I am submitting the essays to you, my trusted audience. Please don’t vote for the best looking family (they really are all good looking though, I have to say), the most popular family, or…your bestest friend. Instead, I urge you to read the essays and reflect on which family is most deserving of this opportunity.
You will find a poll below the essays. Please select your pick and submit your vote. Only one vote per person is allowed for the duration of the voting period. Voting will close on Saturday, October 24th, at 11:59 pm.
Here are the top 5 finalists, in alphabetical order (by first name):
Amy McGuire [Tiny Town, Kansas]
The most immediate thing we are doing impact the world is raising Godly children. What could be more important? On a local level, we are very involved in our tiny community. I teach confirmation class and volunteer at the library, and my hubby coaches. Our family hosts his football team every Saturday morning for breakfast. It’s good for those boys to be a part of our family, and our kids just love them all! I also enjoy preparing meals for families with a new baby or a hardship. While our single-teaching salary resources are limited, we believe that we should still give. We give to our local churches and organizations, and when we see an opportunity to give that aligns with our values (like the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes), we do it. God always blesses us; he can never be outgiven!
Christina Cruz [Tucson, Arizona]
Our family is trying to invest our lives in what matters most, God and people.
In the home, we try to make it a welcoming place for those seeking spiritual growth or genuine friendship.
Outside the home, we’re involved in organizations helping international students new to the U.S. adjust to a strange place, ministries helping those who have become homeless get back on their feet, and the efforts of our church to serve the Tucson community.
And we’re involving our children in all of this, so they can come to know that helping others doesn’t need to be a part-time activity, but rather a way of life.
With all of our flaws and imperfections, we’re just trying to be a family that places others above ourselves.
Christine Altavilla [Phoenix, Arizona]
My husband is a shining example of kindness and love. Many people I know will “volunteer” their spouses and then have a “discussion” about it later. I can honestly say that I have never had to “volunteer” my husband for anything. He notices when neighbors get rocks delivered and he is out with a shovel to help. He sees that volunteers are needed for things at church and signs himself up. He teaches 3rd grade at an inner city school because he believes those are the kids that need the most help. Because of my husband’s selfless character we’ve been blessed with the opportunity to take our youth group on mission trips, build homes in Mexico, and counsel at church camp. Now we have an 18 month old son who likes to mimic his daddy. I can only hope this stage lasts for the rest of his life.
Cyndi Crognale [Chicago, Illinois]
At this stage in our lives, trying to impact the world for good looks like this:
-Aiming to love God, each other, and others.
-Raising our family in God’s love, having fun together and disciplining gently; truly listening to our child, even though he has just started becoming verbal; showing compassion and empathy so that he will become a compassionate, empathetic human being.
-Following our passions. Jesse, my husband, teaches and mentors middle-school students as his full-time job, while I stay home with our child to first and foremost pour into his life and then to edit (from home) manuscripts that go out into the world and touch and change countless people’s lives.
-Sponsoring a child in a third-world country and connecting with him through letters, sending gifts when appropriate.
-Choosing a gift together from the World Vision catalog at Christmas to bless someone in dire need.
Erica McLaughlin [Vail, Arizona]
My husband and I have worked and volunteered with youth for ten years. We teach them, mentor them, lead them in doing service projects for others, and try to help guide them to becoming responsible young adults who will positively impact the world.
We make dinners for neighbors and friends in need and send encouraging notes to people we love. I’ve raised over $700 so far to donate for a cancer walk I’m participating in. I recently chopped off my hair for Locks of Love.
One of our best efforts is parenting. We are examples of ambitious, caring, Godly people to our two beautiful girls. We teach them what’s right, expect the best from them, and heap love on them so that they will carry on our legacy of love. I don’t think anyone can do enough to make the world a better place, but my family certainly tries.
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There you have it. Do I have AWESOME readers or what?
VOTE NOW:
[poll id="2"]
Oh, I forgot the other exciting news that I have.
The four runner-ups will each receive this phenomenal prize package:
Princess 5-in-1 Tasty Baker OR 4 Image Disney Fairies Plastic Toaster by Pop Art Toaster {valued at $35-$50}
-OR- 
Your little princess will love making (and eating) pancake princesses, brownie castles, blueberry muffin gowns, and more. Or perhaps she’d rather enjoy her whole wheat toast with pixie dust imprinted on it? Either way, breakfasts are sure to be extra special with a Disney-themed toaster or tasty baker from Pop Art Toaster.
Pop Art Toasters brand images onto all different types of toast, flat bagels, toaster pastries, and even hamburger buns! Tasty bakers, on the other hand, allow you to make waffles, pancakes, muffins, and breads in fun shapes. Various images and words are available to fit all types of personalities. You can even get your business logo branded on a piece of toast!
A Standard Personalized Birthday Banner from Birthday Express {$14.99}
The high-definition banners are made of heavy duty vinyl and feature metal grommets for easy hanging indoors or out. Select your font and color, customize your message, and you’re all set.
The winner will select a theme of her choice {subject to availability}.
Birthday Express is your “complete source for kids’ birthday party supplies.” The site offers apparel, balloons, decor, favors, games, pinatas, partyware, bannes, and more.
A PEZ Disney Mickey Mouse and Friends 12CT Display by CandyWarehouse.com {$19.80}
Each display box includes 12 Disney character PEZ dispenser packs, each with 2 PEZ candy refill cartridges. Your child will be delighted by the classic Disney characters – and the sweet treats inside. Best of all, he/she will be able to share them with friends and neighbors – or distribute them as party favors.
CandyWarehouse.com is “America’s favorite online candy store.” Sweet tooths, beware! This shop is fun, fun, fun. My personal favorite? Rainbow Licorice Laces – perfect for teaching a child how to tie his shoe or for making edible necklaces.
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There you have it. Prizes for all. No matter what the outcome, every finalist is a winner!
P.S. Don’t forget to vote!
