LAKE CITY -- The founder and CEO of a Lake City nonprofit, who was trying to raise money and awareness for the homeless said her campaign was a smashing success.
Julie Neumann with Harvest of Kindness spent Saturday night through Monday night out in the elements in front of her store, Lake City Thrift to raise awareness and $5,000 to start a farm that will house the homeless and support the work they do to keep people warm in the winter.
Lake City Thrift funds Harvest of Kindness. She said the organization helps the homeless any way they can.
She said thanks to a generous anonymous online donation from Florida, she hit her goal in just 48 hours.
Neumann, who has experienced homelessness first-hand, said she was overwhelmed by the support she got to help her make it through those cold days and nights.
“I’ve had some from the community. I had some come from different towns around the community. But I think the thing that touched my heart the most is my homeless people came and brought me a pizza. My homeless people came and brought me a warm blanket and dry socks because I wasn’t allowed to feed myself. I wasn’t allowed to do anything except use the bathroom,” said Neumann.
Neumann said she plans to do this next year with a twist. She said she is going to challenge the community to camp outside with her so they can get the experience, to really bring her point home.