Propelled by passion
Jen Tartini pursues her dream to help others by fundraising through crafts
Glitter, sparkles, chalk paint and Mason jars — the makings of a Sunday afternoon crafting session. That is, unless you are Jen Tartini.
Sold — Liberty student fundraises for non-profit organizations through Jars of Hope. Photo credit: Leah Seavers
For the Liberty University sophomore, cross country team member and prayer and life group leader, these supplies represent more. They are elements for Tartini to deliver hope.
The idea formed during the summer of 2015.
Tartini sat in a diner with her mother contemplating how she would decorate her quad on East Campus. Colorful components and decor came to mind along with the idea of painted Mason jars.
Her Pinterest-inspired decoration later became an opportunity to fundraise, believing other girls might want to decorate their rooms with the jars as well.
Tartini discovered she could sell jars and necklaces and donate the profits to causes worldwide, and the Jars of Hope transformed from an idea into a reality.
After struggling with ways to support charity organizations through the bank account of a college student, Tartini decided Jars of Hope could bring in revenue that she would directly pay to the charities she wanted to help but could not support monetarily.
She posted her idea on a well-known Facebook page around Liberty’s campus — Only Girls LU.
“I kind of stepped out in faith,” Tartini said. “I thought, ‘Eh, people are probably going to think this is stupid.’”
Contrary to her expectations, Tartini’s post received numerous comments and nearly 100 likes urging her to continue pursuing the fundraising opportunity.
So she began decorating, jar after jar.
Tartini came back to Liberty after the summer with high ambitions for the young project. She has sold approximately 30-40 jars at $8 each and 15-20 necklaces to date at $10 apiece.
“For this year, I have a goal to raise at least $2,000 for different charities,” Tartini said.
Each month, Tartini sponsors a different organization. She sets a certain goal, and then once that goal is met, she takes on another. This September, Tartini’s campaign is directly aimed at helping victims of sex trafficking by giving money to build a safe house in Thailand through the organization Love True.
Recently, the proceeds went toward the purchase of shoes for children through Grace of God in Kenya, and Tartini said she hopes this winter the money will supply blankets for children on the streets in Asia.
“These donations and these purchases are bringing hope to the people they are going to,” Tartini said. “The shoes, the blankets, the safety house — that’s all things of hope, and God brings us the most hope.”
Through all of the fundraising, scheduling, prayer, and help from friends and family in making the jars, Tartini credits the accomplishments to God.
“I was overwhelmed with how good God is (in) providing for this,” Tartini said. “I had to stop doubting him with the small things that I didn’t think would be a big deal, (and those small things are) turning out to be a huge deal that (is) helping a lot of people.”
Though right now her resources are limited, Tartini dreams that someday this project will branch out to more people.
“My biggest goal, and there’s no goal too big for God, … (would be) to have a non-profit organization and to have people making (Jars of Hope) all the time,” Tartini said.
Overall, Tartini’s motivation comes from the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:40.
“‘What you’ve done unto the least of these, you’ve done unto me,’” Tartini said. “… That is my passion. I just want to see all the girls in sex slavery rescued, and I want to see children in Asia have homes and be warm, … and I want to see the people in Africa healthy.”
Through Jars of Hope, Tartini said she has been able to see God work in her life, but she ultimately wants others to experience God in their lives.
“I just have a huge dream that … everyone will fall in love with Jesus and these Jars of Hope will keep going on to other people. Not that it’s just a pretty jar, but that it’s going to a cause that matters … and that we need to fight (for), because God’s called us to do that as children of God.”
To purchase a Jar of Hope or for more information about how to support Tartini’s cause, email her at jtartini@liberty.edu.
Tiller is the feature editor.