After two years of planning Sarah Cummins and her fiancé called off their wedding with only a week to go.
The reason for the sudden cancellation is unknown, but the two were left with a non-refundable booking for 170 guests at the Ritz Charles in Carmel, a suburb north of Indiana.
Not wanting the event to go to waste, Cummins’ decided to host a dinner extending an invitation to local shelter residents and families.
The guest list also included a dozen homeless veterans from the .
Cummins’ arranged two buses to pick up the individuals who spent the night being wined and dined. They were treated to a menu including bourbon-glazed meatballs, goat cheese and roasted garlic bruschetta, chicken breast with artichokes and Chardonnay cream sauce and even the wedding cake.
The 25-year-old pharmacy student was determined to make the night a positive experience for herself and her guests.
She told local newspaper, the , “I called everyone, cancelled, apologised, cried, called vendors, cried some more and then I started feeling really sick about just throwing all the food I ordered for the reception."
Trishell Crawford and her daughter Jacqueline Crawford, were one of the many guests at the cancelled reception. Source: AAP
For Cummins’ this was an opportunity to show her new guests that they deserved to be at a place like the Ritz Charles just as much as anyone else does.
News of Cummins’ act of kindness caused a ripple effect. Indianapolis man, Matt Guanzon was among the many who were inspired, donating suits from his own closet so that attendees could dress up for the event.
Erik Jensen, a guest from Wheeler Mission was grateful to be the recipient of Cummins’ and Araujo’s kindness.
“It’s just a really great opportunity for us… it’s a great opportunity to spread love."
The Ritz Charles was opened to homeless people after Sarah Cummins cancelled her wedding. Source: AAP
