Thursday, March 28, 2024

Granbury newlyweds say 'I do' to giving back

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A Granbury newlywed couple recently put a spin on the traditional wedding day gifts by sharing their “happily ever after” with local nonprofit Mission Granbury.

Mayor Pro Tem Trish Reiner and Jim Burwell, who serves as a master mason, got married on Nov. 6, at Warren’s Backyard among close friends, family and colleagues.

Because this is a second marriage for the pair, they decided to hold an unconventional wedding celebration to not only highlight the multifaceted aspects of their lives, but to simply have fun. In the process, they chose to put a little twist on the tradition of providing gifts to newlyweds.

“We are fortunate to have everything we need to begin this new chapter together,” Trish said. “And with age comes a little wisdom regarding what is truly important. So, we decided to do something fun, memorable and beneficial to the community for which we both care so deeply.”

In lieu of requesting wedding gifts, the couple asked for monetary donations that would be contributed to a local nonprofit. Guests were asked to drop their donations into a handful of containers at their wedding. During the reception, a name was chosen as the recipient of those donations.

“We included the names of more than 20 local charities in the drawing,” Trish said. “There are so many causes that provide much needed help in our closely knit town, and we have a heart for them all. We placed the names in Jim’s hat, drew a name in front of the crowd and Mission Granbury was the chosen nonprofit.”

The idea for the drawing became the brainchild of the duo when friends and family began asking what they needed to begin their journey together.

“We truly appreciated the thoughtfulness, but at this stage of life, and at our age, all the kids are gone, and we are already paring down our possessions. Our priorities have shifted,” Jim said. “So instead, we started asking ourselves how we could involve the generosity of our friends in something that was more important to us, which was helping the community.”

Deciding to ask guests to help raise a little money for charity was easy. The hard part, according to the couple, was choosing one nonprofit as the beneficiary. Trish commented that over the years they had both contributed through donations or volunteer hours to several local nonprofit organizations here in Granbury.

“The decision was difficult,” Trish said. “So rather than choose one on our own or try to split the pot among two or three, we decided to use the old-fashioned method of picking a name out of a hat. One nonprofit would win the pot, with the stipulation that it would be a local organization. Not only was it a little more fun, but our guests knew their contributions would be used for our own community members, regardless of which nonprofit was chosen.”

Jim and Trish were acquaintances for many years, having crossed paths at community fundraisers and school sporting events involving their children. As many journeys go, life changed for them both, and they subsequently crossed paths once again. They began dating, and in November of last year, Jim proposed to Trish at the top of a lighthouse on a Florida beach. She said, “Yes,” and the rest, as they say, is history.

"Our long-term goals mesh, and we make sure to have a lot of fun together,” Trish said. “With all the negativity in the world, laughter is a top priority.”

When asked how it felt to use their special day to give back to the community, Trish stated it was a “great feeling and most definitely a no-brainer.”

“Family is very important, and this community is like family,” Jim added.

Trish also commented that they were so excited about the way the drawing was received, they were considering celebrating their anniversaries in a similar way.

“We have no idea what that might entail, but the wheels are definitely turning,” Trish said.

The Burwells noted that family and friends contributed a total of $1,100, and they added a little more to the pot.

“Ultimately, we presented a check to Mission Granbury in the amount of $1,500,” Trish said.

Both Jim and Trish have been immersed in Granbury for years, have raised their children here and have volunteered, served on boards and in civic organizations to give back to the community they love.

“We were happy that Mission Granbury was chosen,” Trish said. “They have served many people over the years in a meaningful way. We have seen firsthand how Mission Granbury solves real problems for families and individuals in need.”

As a member of Rotary International, Trish has participated in the Weekend Food for Kids program over the years, which is a coordinated effort through Mission Granbury and several community partners.

Trish also mentioned how she and Jim are always heartened by the way Hood County residents come together.

“Our community members are incredibly generous, and we are tremendously thankful to our friends and family for honoring our unique request.”