On Saturday, November 7, Legacy Christian Academy student and parent volunteers headed to Denton for an “Extreme Makeover – LCA Style” at the Old Irish Bed and Breakfast. Rita and Jim Patrick opened their eclectic and environmentally friendly bed and breakfast in 2012. Like many business owners, Jim and his wife have seen their business dwindle due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On top of that, Jim recently had back surgery and Rita is battling terminal cancer.
Glenn Dibley, Legacy’s Service Life Coordinator, began working with Jim over the summer and learned of Jim and Rita’s health struggles. Jim told him that they were having a hard time keeping up with their beloved property. It has simply become too overwhelming and too much upkeep for them to manage. Glenn knew the LCA students were the ideal group of people to answer the call to serve. One day Glenn asked Jim, “What would you say if I could bring some people out here one morning to do all of the things you've wanted to get done?” Jim’s response was simply “You would be a saint.”
Dwayne Hamilton, Tim Fisher, Kristin Stone, and Bill McGee were on hand to help in the service project.
Head of School Bill McGee was on-site to participate and said “I am so proud of our students who sacrificed their personal time and donated their physical labor to serve this couple in need. Our students worked diligently to be the hands and feet of Christ.”
Students Eager to Help
Junior Katie Cortese jumped at the chance to serve, “I wanted to participate in this project,” she said “because I enjoy giving back to people and I love to see people's reactions to our help. I am glad I could help this family out as best as possible. Mr. and Mrs. Patrick were both very sweet and so very appreciative of our work!”
The service team was charged with cleaning up the property, removing debris, filling dumpsters, repairing fences, yard work, and whatever else Jim guided them to do. Claire Russo, co-chair of the LEAD Legacy team said “Our service group strives to touch the lives of people in the community by being the hands and feet of Jesus and our volunteers were grateful to be able to share our mission with the Old Irish Bed and Breakfast.”
Life Lessons
Dr. Kristin Stone, a history teacher in the Upper School, brought her 3rd-grade daughter Rebekah with her she said “to show my girl what true citizenship looks like…coming together with others to serve people who need it. I hope she'll remember that what she does every day of the year is what will truly make an impact on her world.”
Rebekah Stone enjoys time feeding the alpacas following the service project at Old Irish Bed & Breakfast
Legacy Christian Academy is Frisco's preeminent Pre-K through 12 Christian school committed to educating students in a college preparatory environment balanced in academics, athletics, and fine arts–all within the context of a biblical worldview. For more information on Legacy, visit our admissions page.