EDITOR’S NOTE: The Reindeer Gang is an annual Telegraph series that identifies individuals and families with needs during the holidays. Donations should be made directly to the sponsoring agency, church or charity. Contributions for Casey and Kitty Robinson can be made to Robinson Wedding Fund, c/o Certus Bank, 300 N. Dugger Ave., Roberta, GA 31078.
MUSELLA -- Casey and Kitty Robinson still dream about a wedding.
“I have always imagined watching Kitty come down the aisle in a wedding dress,’’ Casey said. “But it’s just a dream. It’s not a need or a necessity. We are very blessed in our marriage.’’
The Robinsons eloped 16 years ago in St. Cloud, Fla., where they both grew up. They now have seven children, ages 1 to 14.
Later, they regretted not having a church wedding that would have included family and friends in the ceremony. Last month, the Robinsons were featured in The Telegraph after being named one of 11 finalists in a national online wedding contest they had entered.
They submitted a short video, with each of their children making the case why their parents deserved to have a “real” wedding.
Kitty had to have brain surgery six years ago, when the couple had been making plans to renew their vows on their 10th anniversary May 26.
When the results were announced last week, the Robinsons were not in the winner’s circle.
They admit they were a little disappointed, but also that the “ultimate wedding giveaway” by a group of wedding vendors in Texas would have been “over the top.’’
They would much rather have a simple, dignified wedding closer to home. And they haven’t give up on that happening one day.
The Reindeer Gang wants to make it happen sooner rather than later. The Robinsons attend Musella Baptist Church, and Telegraph readers have an opportunity to help give the Robinsons the wedding, reception and honeymoon they never had.
The Robinsons don’t live below the poverty line, but they are somewhere in the neighborhood.
Casey is a volunteer missionary with the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention and assists at Camp Kaleo in Monroe County.
Kitty home-schools the children and runs a frugal household. The family started a screen- printing business in their home, where they create T-shirts, bags and caps. Kitty also finds time to train for long-distance running.
She has qualified for the Boston Marathon in April.
“Few families live within their means like the Robinsons,’’ said Joe McDaniel, pastor at Musella Baptist. “They have to raise their own funds, which means they basically live by faith that the Lord, through his people, will help support them and their ministry.’’
Said Casey: “A few years ago, we were living the American dream. We had two cars and a two-story house on the water in Florida. We thought that was what everybody was supposed to be doing.’’
They sold their house when Casey entered the mission field and lived in Kentucky before settling in Crawford County three years ago. They hunt, fish and raise as much of their own food as they can.
“We go to garage sales and flea markets and don’t shop at the designer stores,’’ Casey said.
“We are willing to make sacrifices and put the important things first,’’ Kitty said.
McDaniel said the Robinsons are very involved in the life of the church, volunteering in the nursery, Vacation Bible School and the middle school ministry.
Casey leads the children’s sermons on Sun-day mornings and helps maintain the church grounds.
The Robinsons’ 11-year-old daughter, Libby, organized the church’s participation in Operation Christmas Child.
Kitty said although a Christmas wedding would be special, the planning and logistics might be difficult. A ceremony around Valentine’s Day might be more practical. Readers of the Reindeer Gang can contribute to a fund established by members of Musella Baptist for the Robinson Family Wedding at Certus Bank in Roberta.
“The main thing is it’s not about us,’’ Kitty said. “We want our family and friends there. They are the ones who supported us and prayed for us. We want them there to celebrate.’’
-- Ed Grisamore
