AROUND TOWN: Lutheran Family Services 'Denim & Diamonds"

The 18th annual Lutheran Family Services Innkeeper Dinner on Sept. 20 was a tribute to the many programs supported by the nonprofit, its donors and its member churches. LFS helps resettle refugees from other parts of the world and finds permanent homes for foster children as it helps “mend, alter and restore the lives of those seeking a glimmer of hope,” said President/CEO Jim Barclay. The supporters in the audience are “walking with the vulnerable”

Jerry Doebele accepted the “Eagle Wings” Award as Volunteer of the Year for his work with the Refugee Program. Doebele is constantly on the go, they said, traveling from one side of the region to the other collecting everything new refugees will need to set up homes. Setting up apartments occurs over a short one or two-day time span because of the urgency of sudden resettlements from countries in turmoil.

Because of the unstoppable Doebele, the agency can prepare and furnish multiple apartments “on a moment’s notice,” his nomination said.

Sharing their touching foster-adopt story were the Wheelers, Fred and Sally Jo and little Daniel.

The evening’s top sponsor, First Lutheran Church, had 84 members at the dinner and received a tip of the hat from Barclay.

Busy volunteers who put the fundraiser and its lively live auction together were Rosemary Anderson, Tarrie Burnett, Peggy Byrd, Sue Currey, Kathy Fundarek, Gary Gabrielson, Sandy Harkins, Priscilla Hill, Carolyn Kaiser, Diana Keys, Cheryl Mahon, Joyce Neighbors, Patti Olsen, Linda Parobek, Betsy Plante, Gini Simonson, Donna Skovgaard, Sandie Trowbridge, Jody Wilbur and honorary member Sally Warrington.

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