A traditional wedding day is usually centered on the bride and groom. However, Scott Kuennen and Heather Zevallos dreamed of celebrating their nuptials with an unconventional reception ─ one that involved “giving thanks” and helping others. In September 2014, the bride-to-be reached out via email to The Mustard Seed of Central Florida, a nonprofit that aims to rebuild the lives of families and individuals who have suffered disaster or personal tragedy by providing household furnishings and clothing while being environmentally responsible to our community.

With no previous involvement with the organization, Heather’s email read: “The Mustard Seed stands among the top of the list of organizations that exemplifies our desire to build a relationship which serves others, and so we wanted to know if there was a possibility that we could lend our hands to support your organization. If so, what would we be able to do for you?” This was far from a typical volunteer inquiry! But The Mustard Seed staff was thrilled to make the selfless marriage celebration of the soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs. Kuennen come true.

Corrine Daly, Marketing & Community Outreach Coordinator, and Susan Constantine, Project Manager, quickly identified the right opportunity: a home makeover for a Winter Park family in need. Sicily Wright, a mother of two teenage girls, who had struggled for the previous 18 months with catatonic mental health issues, was finally on the road to recovery. But her house remained in disarray and required a fresh overhaul. During her lengthy hospitalization, Sicily became severely debilitated and lost her ability to talk or walk. As a result, her mother Cynthia stepped in to become the primary caretaker of her children, Syderia and Jylea.

Following a morning marriage ceremony on November 29, 2014 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Winter Park, the newlyweds and their guests traded in their formal attire for jeans and

t-shirts and immediately proceeded from the aisle to the Wright home. Just days before, during the Thanksgiving holiday, volunteers from The Mustard Seed had gutted the space, which allowed a clean slate for the weddingparty to refurbish the home. As the blissful crew worked together, the Wrights were treated to a resort stay, courtesy of Josh Bergen, Vice President of Wyndham Vacation Resorts.

The philanthropic project spearheaded by The Mustard Seed and executed by the Kuennens and their wedding party made for a special new beginning for both families involved… the first day of their new lives. Over time, Sicily has regained her abilities and confidently approached her renovated home using a walker and speaking words of gratitude! Alongside The Mustard Seed and the many volunteers who donated their time, community partners that also contributed include: Home Depot (donated home repair supplies), Wyndham Vacation Resorts (donated relaxing getaway), and Sloan Brothers Furniture (donated beautiful décor).

“If we don’t reach out to help the people around us, who will do it? We are supposed to take care of each other,” declared the Kuennens. The Mustard Seed, which impacts over 1,200 families per year (totaling 3,100 individuals and 1,300 children), is the only furniture and clothing bank in Central Florida, partnering with 110 referring agencies that include social services authorities, nonprofits,and faith-based organizations that help to identify the needs within the community. The organization hopes to restore the dignity and self-esteem of the families and individuals they serve, so that they can move forward and resume control of their lives.

“The Mustard Seed’s purpose is to furnish basic stability for families in need. We help make a house a home,” explained Kathy Baldwin, Executive Director. You can plant the seed of hope and inspiration by volunteering, offering a monetary contribution (personal or business sponsor), or donating furniture and household items. Visit MustardSeedFla.org.