An Indiana woman took what would have been the hardest day of her life and turned it into one of the most memorable for many strangers.
Sarah Cummins and her fiancé Logan Araujo canceled their $30,000 wedding a week before the big day. The two were left with the non-refundable would-be celebration, USA Today reports.
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On Saturday, Cummins’ invited a dozen homeless veterans and four area homeless shelters to enjoy her reception, since she wasn’t able to get any money back from it.
“Thank you for having us,” one of the veterans said to Cummins as he arrived. “It means more than you know.”
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The 25-year-old Purdue University pharmacy student filled her reception space with 170 people. “For me, it was an opportunity to let these people know they deserved to be at a place like this just as much as everyone else does,” Cummins said.
The guests from the veterans foundation, Wheeler Mission, Third Phase Christian Center and Dayspring Center, dressed in semi-formal apparel, most of which was donated, and dined on hors d’oeuvres of bourbon-glazed meatballs, goat cheese and roasted garlic bruschetta.
“It’s beautiful,” guest Erik Jensen said. “We’re having a great time.”
Jensen was humbled to be a part of the reception and thankful for the former couple’s kindness. “It’s just a really great opportunity for us, that was going to be a huge tragedy in her life,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity to spread love. Being homeless is kind of a big loss for all of these guys. This is just a very nice thing to do.”
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Everything Cummins and Araujo had planned for their reception still took place, including the table arrangement, wedding cake and the late-night snack of pizza.
Cummins was joined by three of her seven original bridesmaids, along with her mom and aunts. They were there to support her on a difficult day.
“Out of everything, I just want people to understand that there are still wonderful people in this world,” said college friend and bridesmaid Kendell Suevers.
“It’s a fantastic way to take something that’s an unfortunate event, and to bless others,” Wheeler case manager Bryan Schrank. said. “This is like Thanksgiving 2.0 for these guys. Many of them have never had a meal like this in their lives — or at least not in years.”
Photo Credit: Twitter / @KTLAMorningNews
