Family Uses Cancelled Wedding as Opportunity to Serve the Homeless

When her engagement was called off after wedding plans had already been made, one young woman and her family decided to turn what could have been wasted effort and funds into an opportunity to serve those who are less fortunate.

The Duane family’s eldest daughter, Quinn, was ready to get married on Saturday, but on Monday her fiancé called the wedding off.

Christian Today reports that, instead of despairing and wasting all the preparations, Quinn and her family decided to host a feast for the homeless in their Sacramento, California community.

“When I found out on Monday that the wedding would not be taking place, it just seemed like, of course, this would be something that we would do to give back," Quinn’s mother, Kari Duane, said.

The event was advertised in the community and about 90 adults and children attended and were blessed by the thoughtfulness of the Duane family.

“To lose out on something so important to yourself and then give it to someone else is really giving, really kind," one attendant at the banquet, Erike Craycraft, told a local news site.

Although the Duanes were happy to be able to serve those who were in need, it was still an acutely painful time for Quinn Duane who did not actually take part in the event, but instead stayed at home with friends.

"I feel a lot of heartache and heartbreak for her," said her mother, Kari, who ran the evening. "But I will take away something good from this."

Publication date: October 20, 2015