Reality Rally

Pictured above: Donny Thompson

Gillian called me on the phone the other day, excited to tell me about a story for this blog post. We recently received a warm paragraph from Donny Thompson, an attendee of Reality Rally, which we wanted to feature here. Gillian recalled meeting Donny at Reality Rally last year, and said it happened to be one of her most touching moments during the event.

While Gillian and many others were standing watching the Celebrity Chef Showcase, Donny specifically sought out Gillian in the crowd and walked up to her. In the following moments, he explained to Gillian how Reality Rally had been such an amazing weekend for him--he really felt it had impacted his life in a monumental, positive way. He thanked Gillian for the hard work she and ,many put into Reality Rally, and then the tears began to flow. Gillian recalled how he was so touched by meeting Michelle’s family and the people involved, that tears began to fill his eyes. He marveled at the community’s work to make Reality Rally happen. That was it, Gillian said. She began crying, too! As the two stood watching the celebrity showcase, they both blubbered together, happily. Donny walked away from the event that day saying it was one of the biggest things that has happened to him.

Donny’s additional comments and praises read: “My name is Donny Thompson and I'm from Albemarle, NC. I was on season 16 of Big Brother. Last year I attended Reality Rally for the first time. I was very excited because I'm such a fan of reality shows. I had a great time. My favorite part of the weekend was when we visited Michelle's Place. I knew we were raising money for breast cancer but really didn't know what Michelle's Place was. We learned how important this place is, it offers great resources to ladies living with breast cancer. We met Michelle's family and learned how it was started and heard from others who use this facility and what it has meant to them. It really touched my heart! I was so glad to be apart of helping raise funds for this wonderful place. I will be attending Reality Rally 2016 and hope everyone can come experience this wonderful event. I want to thank everyone who has given and volunteered for Reality Rally. God bless you all!”

Thank you, Donny. It’s people like you who make Reality Rally the success it is!

- Taryn