Several hundred guests attended Connie Maxwell’s Annual Picnic held on Thursday, August 7 at noon. The luncheon followed the quarterly board meeting and guests included trustees, former board members, alumni board members, community leaders, and other Connie Maxwell supporters.
Each attendee received a copy of the new strategic plan, A Decade of Dreams. In addition, a new video was shown that featured interviews from alumni Mack Baltzegar, John and Sue Sheriff, Connie Maxwell Pastor Emeritus Doug Kauffmann and Sally Kauffmann, and Jeannie Mitchell, daughter of Dr. Sam Smith.
Towards the end of the video, current President William D. Nicholson II provided a glimpse of future dreams.
“Now we embark upon a new future, a new dream deeply rooted in the shadow of a long, enduring history,” he said. “Resting on this stage of history, we boldly envision the creation of a healing center that will carry our ministry to an unprecedented level of excellence, defining Connie Maxwell as a national leader in healing trauma and brokenness. For the dreams of children, we envision Maxwell Farms becoming a South Carolina destination that would minister to our children and families, but also create alternative revenue sources to build our budget and strengthen our capacity to help more children.”
Liliana reading her letter with Danny
Perhaps the biggest highlight of the luncheon came from a little girl named Liliana from the Brookland Campus. She bravely read a simple letter to the audience with Danny by her side:
“Good morning, my name is Lili, and I want to tell you about my life here at Connie Maxwell. Being here has taught me how to love others even when it’s hard. I have been here for four years now, and I am grateful for everything they do for me. I’m happy that I get to be here with my sisters and brother. The cottage parents are really good cooks. I love their tacos. I love my cottage parents and all of the staff. I love that I have the privilege to go to a great school and to live here. Connie Maxwell has saved my life, and I thank God for being here every day. And I want to thank all of you for your support. I love you all.”
