Save the date - Faith's Lodge - a Place Where Hope Grows
Save the date - Faith's Lodge - a Place Where Hope Grows
Save the date - Faith's Lodge - a Place Where Hope Grows
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Main Office<br />
818 West 46th Street, Suite 202<br />
Minneapolis, MN 55419<br />
(612) 825-2073<br />
Wisconsin Retreat<br />
6942 County Road C<br />
Danbury, WI 54830<br />
(715) 866-8200<br />
faithslodge.org<br />
News from Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> is published by<br />
Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong>, a place where parents and<br />
families coping with <strong>the</strong> serious illness or<br />
death of a child can retreat to reflect on <strong>the</strong><br />
past, renew strength for <strong>the</strong> present and<br />
build hope for <strong>the</strong> future.<br />
Board of Directors:<br />
Mark Lacek, Chair<br />
Susan Lacek, Vice Chair<br />
Angie Andresen,<br />
StoryTeller Media & Communications<br />
Jadin Bragg, Boulay, Heutmaker, Zibell & Co.<br />
Denver Gilliand, Merrill Lynch<br />
Steve Helland, Fredrikson & Byron<br />
Margaret Murphy, Denali Marketing<br />
Kristin Pardue, Reve Consulting<br />
John Satorius, Fredrikson & Byron, PA<br />
Bob Steffel, MA Mortenson Company<br />
Andy Weiner, Toy’ N Around<br />
Dr. Robert Wieland,<br />
Abbott Northwestern Hospital<br />
Staff:<br />
Anna Stier, Executive Director<br />
Ev Nyberg, Manager of <strong>Lodge</strong> Operations<br />
Marquetta Nickols, Administrative Assistant<br />
Mike and Carol Borman, Maintenance Team<br />
Communications<br />
Committee:<br />
Angie Andresen<br />
Glen Andresen<br />
Julie Hurbanis<br />
Allison Janney<br />
Emily Kolar<br />
Susan Lacek<br />
Mardi Larson<br />
Anna Stier<br />
Family<br />
Programming<br />
Funded By<br />
WHAT: <strong>Hope</strong> Rocks! 2009, Featuring <strong>the</strong><br />
Official Release of <strong>Hope</strong> Rocks!<br />
Volume II and a Live Performance<br />
by <strong>the</strong> BoDeans<br />
WHEN: Saturday, September 26 th<br />
6:30 PM-1:00 AM<br />
WHERE: Epic Event Center,<br />
Downtown Minneapolis<br />
<strong>Save</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>date</strong><br />
Mark your calendar for<br />
Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> biggest event of <strong>the</strong> year...<br />
Hosted by Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> supporters Frank<br />
Vascellaro & Amelia Santaniello, this<br />
rocking evening will feature great food &<br />
drinks, a live auction and raffle, and music<br />
by <strong>the</strong> BoDeans. All proceeds benefit<br />
families coping with a child’s serious<br />
illness or <strong>the</strong> loss of a child.<br />
Tickets are limited: $250 VIP Experience,<br />
including complimentary beer and wine<br />
and premier 2 nd floor location<br />
$150 General Admission Tickets<br />
Watch your mail for our <strong>Hope</strong> Rocks! invitation, coming this summer. A special thanks to our<br />
media partner, Cities 97, and <strong>the</strong> exclusive retailer of <strong>Hope</strong> Rocks! Volume II, Target Stores.<br />
Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
News from<br />
sPriNg 2009 issue<br />
Faith’S <strong>Lodge</strong><br />
Reflections from guests<br />
SUPPORT AND SUMMER FUN AT FAITH’S LODGE<br />
During <strong>the</strong> first few days of August 2008, a group of eight families<br />
met at Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> to spend a summer vacation toge<strong>the</strong>r leaning<br />
on, and laughing with, each o<strong>the</strong>r. The families, all of whom have<br />
a child with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), met each o<strong>the</strong>r at<br />
conferences or online, and <strong>the</strong>y and o<strong>the</strong>rs formed a virtual<br />
support group of sorts. They came to Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> comforted in<br />
<strong>the</strong> knowledge that <strong>the</strong> families with whom <strong>the</strong>y were vacationing<br />
would understand <strong>the</strong>ir experiences, joys and challenges. And<br />
that <strong>the</strong>y’d spend a whole lot more time relaxing and playing than<br />
explaining.<br />
While relatively unknown, SMA is a motor neuron disease that,<br />
according to <strong>the</strong> SMA Foundation, is <strong>the</strong> leading genetic cause<br />
of death in infants and toddlers. Children born with SMA lack<br />
a protein that is critical to <strong>the</strong> survival and health of neurons<br />
and nerves. While <strong>the</strong> children’s minds are unaffected, <strong>the</strong>y have<br />
progressively less control over <strong>the</strong>ir muscles and <strong>the</strong>ir ability to<br />
crawl, walk, swallow, and control <strong>the</strong> movement of <strong>the</strong>ir head and<br />
neck. According to support organization Families with SMA, one<br />
in 6,000 babies born is affected by SMA, and about 1 in 40 people<br />
are genetic carriers.<br />
Andrea and Doug Doebbert of Edina, MN organized <strong>the</strong> week and<br />
made an advance visit to Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> to determine any limitations<br />
for some of <strong>the</strong> kids in wheelchairs – <strong>the</strong>y discovered very few.<br />
While <strong>the</strong> group was at Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong>, friends of <strong>the</strong> Doebberts<br />
Children with SMA coming toge<strong>the</strong>r for fun at Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong>.<br />
prepared and delivered <strong>the</strong> meals so<br />
<strong>the</strong> vacationing families were able<br />
to focus on hikes in <strong>the</strong> woods on<br />
<strong>the</strong> handicapped-accessible trails,<br />
craft projects, bonfires and each<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r. Among <strong>the</strong> families who<br />
joined from across <strong>the</strong> Midwest<br />
Doug Doebbert with his<br />
and as far away as Kentucky were<br />
daughter, Sophia.<br />
Justin and Shannon Kuester and<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir daughters, Addison and Haley of Hartford, WI.<br />
“Our children with SMA are in wheelchairs, and it’s tough to move<br />
<strong>the</strong>m around, so getting eight families who have a child with SMA<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r isn’t an easy thing to do,” said Justin Kuester. “It was really<br />
helpful for all of us to spend that time toge<strong>the</strong>r sharing thoughts<br />
and ideas. Tending to <strong>the</strong> medical needs of our kids was something<br />
everyone understood.”<br />
The weekend was so successful that <strong>the</strong> group plans to return<br />
again this August. “Our biggest challenge was that we had more<br />
families that wanted to come than Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> had space,” Kuester<br />
said. “This summer, we’re going to invite some of <strong>the</strong> physicians<br />
and <strong>the</strong>rapists that we all see so we can add a stronger learning<br />
component to our Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> visit.”<br />
OTHER SUPPORT GROUPS WELCOME<br />
“We were thrilled with <strong>the</strong> response of <strong>the</strong> SMA weekend and<br />
<strong>the</strong> support <strong>the</strong> families found in coming toge<strong>the</strong>r at Faith’s<br />
<strong>Lodge</strong>,” said Evelyn Nyberg, manager of operations at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Lodge</strong>.<br />
Following <strong>the</strong> SMA support group weekend, Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> has<br />
hosted a number of o<strong>the</strong>r established groups including Brighter<br />
Tomorrows, for families from <strong>the</strong> Rochester area who have<br />
children with cancer, <strong>Hope</strong> Kids, a Twin Cities based non-profit<br />
that supports families with seriously ill children, “And we’ve got a<br />
group scheduled for families impacted by Twin to Twin Transfusion<br />
Syndrome,” Nyberg said. Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> welcomes established parent<br />
or o<strong>the</strong>r support groups for customized weeks at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Lodge</strong>. Please<br />
contact Anna Stier (anna@Faiths<strong>Lodge</strong>.org) or Evelyn Nyberg<br />
(enyberg@Faiths<strong>Lodge</strong>.org) with questions or for more<br />
information.<br />
–1– faithslodge.org
FRom <strong>the</strong> executive diRectoR<br />
Dear Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> Supporters,<br />
Finally, spring has arrived. We’ve put away our down coats and<br />
wool mittens and anxiously await <strong>the</strong> opportunity to enjoy summer<br />
activities. In addition to warmer temperatures, <strong>the</strong> spring season<br />
brings hope for <strong>the</strong> months ahead.<br />
At Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong>, families coping with a child’s serious illness or<br />
<strong>the</strong> loss of a child find renewal year-round. Thanks to <strong>the</strong> generous<br />
support of individuals like you, families have an opportunity to<br />
reflect on <strong>the</strong> past and gain strength for a more hopeful future.<br />
Ronald McDonald House more effectively serve families around <strong>the</strong><br />
world. In keeping <strong>the</strong>se values, Ronald McDonald House Charities,<br />
UpperMidwest, (RMHC, UM) has renewed its commitment to<br />
Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> by extending a new grant for 2009.<br />
This year marks <strong>the</strong> fourth year Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> has received generous<br />
sponsorship from Ronald McDonald House, which serves many<br />
children and families that greatly need <strong>the</strong> complimentary services<br />
that Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> provides. The funding from <strong>the</strong> grant will go<br />
directly to cover family programming costs at Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong>,<br />
including guest management, <strong>the</strong>rapeutic activities, crafts, food<br />
pantry and entertainment.<br />
The partnership between <strong>the</strong> two non-profits began before Faith’s<br />
<strong>Lodge</strong> opened its doors. While Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> was being established,<br />
<strong>the</strong> organization approached RMHC, UM in 2006, knowing <strong>the</strong><br />
BECOME A FAN<br />
If you are a member of <strong>the</strong> growing social networking<br />
site, Facebook, we invite you to become a Fan of Faith’s<br />
<strong>Lodge</strong>. Anyone can become a Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> Fan by typing<br />
“Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong>” in <strong>the</strong> Facebook search bar. Our Fan Page<br />
is up<strong>date</strong>d frequently with <strong>the</strong> latest happenings at Faith’s<br />
<strong>Lodge</strong>. Fans can upload <strong>the</strong>ir own photos and post notes of<br />
hope and healing. Please share <strong>the</strong> Fan Page with friends in<br />
your network and help spread <strong>the</strong> word about Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong>.<br />
take Note Innovative programming and partnerships are central to helping<br />
faithslodge.org<br />
–2–<br />
During 2009, Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> plans to serve significantly more<br />
families than in previous years. Toge<strong>the</strong>r, we can accomplish this<br />
goal by referring families to Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong>, making in-kind gifts of<br />
food and <strong>Lodge</strong> supplies, and covering a family’s nightly expenses<br />
through a gift of $25 or more. Especially during this difficult<br />
economic time, we greatly appreciate your generous support.<br />
Best regards,<br />
Anna Stier, Executive Director<br />
donor Spotlight<br />
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE:<br />
FAITH’S LODGE ExTENDS GRATITUDE TO LARGEST BENEFACTOR<br />
organization’s extensive experience and credible reputation working<br />
with families who have a seriously ill child. With closely aligned<br />
missions, <strong>the</strong>re was an opportunity for <strong>the</strong> groups to work toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />
on this endeavor.<br />
Meg Katzman, Executive Director of RMHC, UM, feels passionately<br />
about <strong>the</strong> continued partnership between her organization and Faith’s<br />
<strong>Lodge</strong>. “Toge<strong>the</strong>r, RMHC, UM and Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> achieve our shared<br />
goal of keeping families in crisis toge<strong>the</strong>r and strong.”<br />
In addition to financial support, RMHC, UM has been actively<br />
involved with programming at Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> over <strong>the</strong> past few years.<br />
A number of RMHC “Sibling Camps” have been held at Faith’s<br />
<strong>Lodge</strong>. During <strong>the</strong> camps, children enjoy a myriad of north woods<br />
experiences, including fishing, swimming, campfires, dog-sledding<br />
and hiking. Three sibling camps are scheduled during 2009.<br />
An exciting part of RMHC’s grant is it ensures <strong>the</strong> outreach services<br />
of Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> will be made available to as many families as possible.<br />
Ronald McDonald House is a national organization, <strong>the</strong>refore Faith’s<br />
<strong>Lodge</strong> is able to reach out and invite RMHC families from across <strong>the</strong><br />
country to stay at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Lodge</strong> and experience our programming.<br />
Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> looks forward to providing continued comfort, strength,<br />
and hope to all of our guests through programming made possible by<br />
<strong>the</strong> Ronald McDonald House Upper Midwest grant.
volunteer Spotlight<br />
SUPERIOR LANDSCAPING GENEROUSLy<br />
ANSWERS A SPECIAL CALL TO HELP CREATE<br />
OUR garden of hope<br />
Superior Landscaping finishing <strong>the</strong> beautiful Garden of <strong>Hope</strong>.<br />
When Co-Founders Susan and Mark Lacek first dreamt of Faith’s<br />
<strong>Lodge</strong>, <strong>the</strong>ir vision included beautiful landscaping surrounding<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Lodge</strong>. However, <strong>the</strong>y knew <strong>the</strong> outdoor plans would have to<br />
wait until <strong>the</strong> Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> indoor facilities were complete and <strong>the</strong><br />
organization was large enough to undertake <strong>the</strong> landscaping project.<br />
Anticipating <strong>the</strong> future project, Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> completed a project plan<br />
for what has been named The Garden of <strong>Hope</strong>. Located in a sunny<br />
spot, between <strong>the</strong> building and <strong>the</strong> lake, The Garden of <strong>Hope</strong> serves as a<br />
ga<strong>the</strong>ring space where couples and families find peace and inspiration<br />
in a beautiful setting. However, before <strong>the</strong> garden could be installed,<br />
professional landscaping assistance was needed to get <strong>the</strong> project<br />
started.<br />
In our search for assistance, Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> published a volunteer callto-action<br />
in <strong>the</strong> 2008 summer newsletter. Kevin Rickinger, owner of<br />
Superior Landscaping, which is based in Inver Grove Heights, MN,<br />
contacted Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> in response to <strong>the</strong> request. “After reading<br />
about <strong>the</strong> families Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> has served, I’ve always wanted to help<br />
in some way. When I saw <strong>the</strong> specific description of <strong>the</strong> garden, I knew<br />
A six-man<br />
crew<br />
came to<br />
Faith’s<br />
<strong>Lodge</strong><br />
on two<br />
weekends<br />
last fall to<br />
help.<br />
The Angel of <strong>Hope</strong> Statue<br />
was introduced to <strong>the</strong> world in <strong>the</strong><br />
book The Christmas Box, a worldwide<br />
bestseller by author richard paul evans.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> book, a woman mourns <strong>the</strong> loss of her child at <strong>the</strong> base of<br />
an angel monument. Though <strong>the</strong> story is mostly fiction, an angel<br />
statue was commissioned by richard paul evans, in response<br />
to reports that grieving parents were seeking out <strong>the</strong> angel as<br />
a place to grieve and heal. The first statue was dedicated on<br />
december 6, 1994 and <strong>the</strong>re are now 100 angel of hope statues<br />
across <strong>the</strong> country, with many more in <strong>the</strong> works.<br />
It is our vision to have an angel Statue as <strong>the</strong> centerpiece of our<br />
garden of hope. The monument would serve as a symbol of hope<br />
for those families visiting faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong>, as well as area families<br />
who would be invited to <strong>the</strong> Candlelight healing Ceremony<br />
held annually on december 6 th at all angel Statues nationwide.<br />
We are currently looking for a family or organization to fund<br />
<strong>the</strong> commission of our own angel Statue, or help fundraise with<br />
this specific goal in mind. To learn more about this endeavor,<br />
please contact anna Stier at anna@faithslodge.org<br />
my company was capable of assisting with <strong>the</strong> major landscaping<br />
needs.” Kevin said.<br />
Due to <strong>the</strong> generous donation of labor expenses by Superior<br />
Landscaping, The Garden of <strong>Hope</strong> project costs were cut significantly.<br />
A six-man crew from Superior drove up to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Lodge</strong> over <strong>the</strong> course<br />
of two weekends last fall to work on mulching, building a bridge and<br />
boulder wall, and laying a 500 foot paver walkway inside <strong>the</strong> garden.<br />
Many of <strong>the</strong> garden paver stones were donated by Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong><br />
families, in memory or in honor of a loved one. These permanent<br />
pavers are inscribed with a special, personalized message.<br />
“The major needs of <strong>the</strong> project required a skill set that not everyone<br />
has.” Kevin explained. “Superior Landscaping is extremely proud of<br />
what we did for families at Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong>.”<br />
Superior Landscaping will complete The Garden of <strong>Hope</strong> by planting<br />
trees, shrubs and flowers this spring.<br />
On behalf of <strong>the</strong> families we serve, Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> would like to thank<br />
Superior Landscaping and <strong>the</strong> entire garden crew for all <strong>the</strong>ir hard<br />
work. Also, we would like to offer a special thanks to Hedberg and<br />
Belguard companies and Bailey Nurseries for assisting with The<br />
Garden of <strong>Hope</strong>.<br />
If you are interested in purchasing a permanent paver stone memorial<br />
for The Garden of <strong>Hope</strong>, please contact our administration office<br />
(612) 825-2073 or visit faithslodge.org. Trees, shrubs and flowers<br />
may also be purchased for <strong>the</strong> garden, in memory or in honor of a<br />
loved one.<br />
–3– faithslodge.org
thaNk you to ouR doNoRS<br />
Members of <strong>the</strong> Circle of <strong>Hope</strong>, a generous philanthropic club, contribute $1,000 or more on an annual basis to Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong>. Gifts to <strong>the</strong> organization<br />
allow us to serve families in <strong>the</strong> local community and from across <strong>the</strong> country, regardless of <strong>the</strong>ir financial circumstances. For information regarding <strong>the</strong><br />
Circle of <strong>Hope</strong>, or to learn about <strong>the</strong> various ways you can positively impact children and families, please contact Executive Director, Anna Stier at (612) 825-2073.<br />
2009 ciRcLe<br />
oF hoPe<br />
Andersen Corporation Foundation<br />
Edward R. Bazinet Foundation<br />
Jadin and Tricia Bragg<br />
Children’s Healthcare<br />
CROWBAR<br />
Denali Marketing<br />
Andy and Elizabeth Fazendin<br />
Denver and Nicole Gilliand<br />
Deb Hopp<br />
Amy and Tony Korthaus<br />
The Lacek Group<br />
Mark and Susan Lacek<br />
Robert and Barbara Lodermeier<br />
Margaret Murphy and Steve Olin<br />
The Page Family<br />
Kristin Pardue and Brad von Bank<br />
Pediaric Home Services<br />
Jeremy Pierotti and Kathryn Klibanoff<br />
Sheri and Tom Price<br />
Ronald McDonald House Charities -<br />
Upper Midwest<br />
memoRiaLS<br />
Donations were made to Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> in<br />
memory of <strong>the</strong> following:<br />
In Memory of Maxwell Best<br />
In Memory of Anna Rose Borgerding<br />
In Memory of Jennifer Lynn Bossman<br />
In Memory of Max Ryan Carse<br />
In Memory of Tegan Ruth Christopherson<br />
In Memory of Lexi Anne and<br />
Zoe Nicole Clement<br />
In Memory of William “Billy” M. Dahl<br />
In Memory of Sophia Alexis Davies<br />
In Memory of Billy Drag<br />
In Memory of Brandon Elias<br />
In Memory of John Ennen<br />
In Memory of Mat<strong>the</strong>w Hawyard Evenrud<br />
In Memory of Grace Elizabeth Fazendin<br />
In Memory of Shannon Foster<br />
In Memory of Angela Marie and<br />
Mary Deloris Ganley<br />
In Memory of Damion Garza<br />
In Memory of Angel Baby and Baby Grace<br />
In Memory of Caden Mat<strong>the</strong>w Herr<br />
In Memory of Matt Thor Hoff<br />
In Memory of <strong>Hope</strong> Homelvig<br />
Megan and Will Roth<br />
John and Linda Satorius<br />
Robert Seidel<br />
SIDS Alliance Inc.<br />
Bob and Jacqueline Steffel<br />
Anna and Jeremy Stier<br />
Scott and Katey Taylor<br />
University St. Thomas - The Gibney Award<br />
Andy and Marci Weiner<br />
Werner Electric Ventures<br />
Dr. Robert and Tina Wieland<br />
In Memory of Jerry Jensen<br />
In Memory of Irene Johnson<br />
In Memory of Luke Tyler Kerbeshian<br />
In Memory of Patricia Klibanoff<br />
In Memory of Grace Ca<strong>the</strong>rine Kosek<br />
In Memory of Cecily Rose Kubiak<br />
In Memory of Faith Lacek<br />
In Memory of Brandon Mitchell Lanie<br />
In Memory of Parker and Brady Lindstrom<br />
In Memory of Jon Lodermeier<br />
In Memory of Elizabeth Manning<br />
In Memory of Eliza Martin<br />
In Memory of Isaiah and Mason<br />
In Memory of Evan James McAlister<br />
In Memory of Mary Ka<strong>the</strong>rine McClurg<br />
In Memory of Kaidin Staska<br />
Richardson Minowa<br />
In Memory of Morgan Marie<br />
In Memory of Tynan Thomas and<br />
John Patrick Murphy<br />
In Memory of Dick Nadeau<br />
In Memory of Sabra Olssen<br />
In Memory of Isabella Otis<br />
In Memory of <strong>Hope</strong> Peterson<br />
In Memory of Hudson John Polman<br />
–4–<br />
hoNoRaRiumS<br />
Donations were made to Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> in<br />
honor of <strong>the</strong> following:<br />
In Honor of <strong>the</strong> Bransford Family<br />
In Honor of Allan and Tina Christopherson<br />
In Honor of Denali Marketing<br />
In Honor of Bill and Vince Embacher<br />
In Honor of Carole and Loren Evenrud<br />
In Honor of D.C. Everest Language Arts<br />
In Honor of Irene Fahje<br />
In Honor of Kathy Hedlund<br />
In Honor of Kianna Johnson<br />
In Honor of Susan Lacek<br />
In Honor of Miriam Lejonvam-McCann<br />
In Honor of Colleen McCann<br />
In Honor of Abby McLenighan<br />
In Honor of Kurt and Kristin Meier<br />
In Honor of The Kimberly and<br />
John Mueller Family<br />
In Honor of Margaret Murphy and Steve Olin<br />
In Honor of The Newhall Family<br />
In Honor of Andrew Scott and Family<br />
In Honor of Kathy Solberg<br />
In Memory of Gavin Proulx<br />
In Memory of Jack Roane<br />
In Memory of Andy Roehl<br />
In Memory of Donna Schara<br />
In Memory of Cadence Faith Schlief<br />
In Memory of Erik Sherstad<br />
In Memory of Spencer August Short<br />
In Memory of Noel Ann Smith<br />
In Memory of Kieran Stuart<br />
In Memory of Layla Susnik<br />
In Memory of Marit Palmer Swenson<br />
In Memory of Abbey Taylor<br />
In Memory of Lowell Thomas Vannelli<br />
In Memory of Marcus Walsten<br />
In Memory of Drew Woodwick<br />
In Memory of Kristine Wucherpfenning<br />
in <strong>the</strong> Donor lists, we have made every<br />
effort to be as accurate as possible. if<br />
we have inadvertently made an error or<br />
omission, please contact our office<br />
at (612) 825-2073.
volunteer Spotlight<br />
HEALING ONE STITCH AT A TIME:<br />
THIMBLEBERRIES RENEWS CHARITABLE<br />
SPONSORSHIP WITH FAITH’S LODGE<br />
Thimbleberries quilts can provide much more than warmth for<br />
many special recipients. Since becoming a sponsor of Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong><br />
in January 2008, generous quilters have sent more than 150 quilts<br />
to comfort guests staying at Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong>.<br />
Thimbleberries is a worldwide leader in quilting, sewing, and home<br />
decorating, started 20 years ago by Lynette Jensen, an avid quilter<br />
from Hutchinson, Minnesota. Nearly 1,000 nation-wide quilting<br />
shops are host to Thimbleberries quilting clubs. Club members<br />
meet monthy and create quilts toge<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
The McLenighan Family with <strong>the</strong>ir Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> Quilt.<br />
guest Reflections<br />
–5–<br />
Thimbleberries Quilters dedicated to Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> .<br />
Due to <strong>the</strong> overwhelmingly positive response from both<br />
Thimbleberries quilters and Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> guests, <strong>the</strong> charitable<br />
partnership will continue through 2009. Thimbleberries designed<br />
a “Stars of <strong>Hope</strong>” quilting pattern especially for Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong>, that<br />
can be downloaded from <strong>the</strong>ir website www.thimbleberries.com<br />
for free. While Thimbleberries has encouraged partipants to use<br />
<strong>the</strong> “Stars of <strong>Hope</strong>” pattern, any design can be used to create a<br />
quilt.<br />
The donated quilts are given to each family staying at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Lodge</strong><br />
for use during <strong>the</strong>ir stay, as well as a memento to bring home<br />
to remember <strong>the</strong>ir time at Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong>. Through renewing this<br />
sponsorship, Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> and Thimbleberries set a goal to collect<br />
even more quilts to send home with guests this year.<br />
According to Evelyn Nyberg, Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> Manager of Operations,<br />
<strong>the</strong> quilts are much appreciated by guests. “The families are<br />
grateful to have something to take with <strong>the</strong>m, especially since it is<br />
evident each quilt is made with such love and care.”<br />
“We are walking away from Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> with renewed hope and peace.”<br />
“ For <strong>the</strong> first time we could connect with o<strong>the</strong>r parents—<br />
we now know that we are not alone.”<br />
“The atmosphere and encouragement at Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> has given me hope for <strong>the</strong> future.”<br />
faithslodge.org
giBNey aWaRd<br />
FAITH’S LODGE RECEIVES GIBNEy<br />
On February 5, 2009, <strong>the</strong> University of St.<br />
Thomas selected Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> as a Gibney<br />
Award Winner, in recognition of <strong>the</strong><br />
outstanding service Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> provides<br />
to <strong>the</strong> community. The Gibney Award<br />
was recently established by a couple in <strong>the</strong><br />
community who wanted to encourage<br />
St. Thomas students to become involved in<br />
philanthropy. There were more than 109<br />
applicants for <strong>the</strong> Award; Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong><br />
is honored to be one of <strong>the</strong> five finalists<br />
selected.<br />
The $5,000 Gibney Award will support<br />
a new program at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Lodge</strong>, which will<br />
provide age-appropriate north woods<br />
experiences for children ages 12-19. A few<br />
activities that will be funded by <strong>the</strong> Gibney<br />
Award include dog-sledding, fishing,<br />
canoeing, hiking and camping. The Award<br />
will also cover <strong>the</strong> costs associated with<br />
<strong>the</strong>rapeutic activities, such as scrapbooking,<br />
jewelry making, garden stepping stones, and<br />
literature for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Lodge</strong> library aimed to<br />
help teens cope with <strong>the</strong>ir serious illness.<br />
Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> enjoys a strong relationship<br />
with <strong>the</strong> University of St. Thomas,<br />
providing internship opportunities to<br />
juniors and seniors. The purpose of <strong>the</strong><br />
internship program is to provide an<br />
opportunity for students to learn about <strong>the</strong><br />
nonprofit field, while encouraging <strong>the</strong>m to<br />
consider a career in service.<br />
All that we love<br />
deeply becomes a<br />
part of us. - Helen Keller<br />
Brighter tomorrows<br />
FAMILIES FIND HOPE AT FAITH’S LODGE<br />
During <strong>the</strong> last weekend in January,<br />
Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> was host to a group of<br />
families from Brighter Tomorrows. Brighter<br />
Tomorrows, which was established by four<br />
mo<strong>the</strong>rs whose children were ill with cancer,<br />
is a nonprofit organization that provides<br />
emotional, spiritual, and educational<br />
support by listening to, understanding, and<br />
supporting families touched by childhood<br />
cancer. Brighter Tomorrows provided<br />
retreats to eight families to visit Faith’s<br />
<strong>Lodge</strong> in January. Below, one family shares<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir experience at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Lodge</strong>:<br />
“We spent an incredible weekend with seven o<strong>the</strong>r cancer families at Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong><br />
and it was exactly what we needed. After receiving <strong>the</strong> news that our son’s cancer<br />
had returned again for <strong>the</strong> third time, I was reluctant about going. My husband<br />
encouraged me saying, ‘Don’t you think it would be good to be around people who can<br />
support us and truly understand what we’re going through since <strong>the</strong>y have walked or<br />
are walking in our shoes?’ And, he was so right.<br />
I do wish I could better<br />
articulate <strong>the</strong> power of<br />
<strong>the</strong> weekend and <strong>the</strong>se<br />
relationships, but until<br />
you walk in our shoes, I do<br />
not think it’s possible. But<br />
to all of <strong>the</strong> families who<br />
were with us, we thank<br />
you for your ongoing love,<br />
support and guidance<br />
through one of <strong>the</strong> most<br />
difficult journeys in life we<br />
will ever face. My husband<br />
and I are so humbled and<br />
privileged to have you as<br />
our new friends.<br />
Thank you Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong><br />
for providing <strong>the</strong> perfect<br />
atmosphere for <strong>the</strong> time we<br />
spent toge<strong>the</strong>r.”<br />
–6–<br />
If you know of a group or organization, such as<br />
Brighter Tomorrows, that could benefit from a stay at<br />
Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong>, please contact us at (612) 825-2073.
corporate<br />
donor Spotlight<br />
PEDIATRIC HOME SERVICES:<br />
LIkE-MINDED PARTNERS<br />
SHARE A SPECIAL BOND<br />
Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> recently became a recipient of<br />
Sharing Care, Pediatric Home Service’s (PHS)<br />
corporate giving program. PHS, based in St.<br />
Paul, is a full-service, independent pediatric<br />
care company that provides highly specialized<br />
health care services and technology to help<br />
Families of Pediatric Home<br />
Services on retreat.<br />
support families in <strong>the</strong> care of medically-fragile children at home. PHS offers<br />
comprehensive services such as infusion <strong>the</strong>rapy, respiratory <strong>the</strong>rapy, in-home<br />
asthma management, nutrition, pharmacy and medical social work exclusively<br />
for pediatric patients. The shared belief that truly caring for medically fragile<br />
children requires more than just healthcare has resulted in a special partnership<br />
between PHS and Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong>. The alignment is very strong between <strong>the</strong><br />
two organizations with a common <strong>the</strong>me: helping families manage <strong>the</strong> daily<br />
challenges of caring for sick children.<br />
In addition to a large corporate gift in 2008, PHS held an internal employee<br />
fundraiser, resulting in a $4,000 contribution to Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong>. The fundraiser<br />
provides <strong>the</strong> opportunity for eight PHS families to stay a weekend at Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong><br />
in <strong>the</strong> coming year. According to Michael Ruhs, PHS Director or Corporate<br />
Communications, “The partnership provides a place of rest for families who may<br />
be exhausted due to <strong>the</strong>ir child’s medical condition. Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> is a unique<br />
retreat because it’s capable of providing for <strong>the</strong> special needs families may have<br />
that a regular hotel or<br />
resort couldn’t. The goal<br />
is to help our families<br />
refresh both mind and<br />
spirit and provide hope<br />
for <strong>the</strong> challenging<br />
journey ahead.”<br />
PHS continues to expand<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir relationship with<br />
Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> in as many<br />
ways as possible, including a PHS clinician weekend retreat at Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> held<br />
last October. PHS also plans to offer employees with volunteer opportunities to<br />
serve meals and assist with various projects.<br />
To learn more about PHS, visit <strong>the</strong> company’s website at<br />
www.pediatrichomeservice.com or call toll-free (800)225-7477.<br />
If you are interested in making a gift or sponsoring a room or area at<br />
Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> in honor or memory of a loved one, please call <strong>the</strong> Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong><br />
Office at (612) 825-2073.<br />
–7–<br />
fpo only<br />
FAITH’S LODGE PROUD RECIPIENT<br />
OF CITIES 97 SAMPLER PROCEEDS<br />
Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> was one of <strong>the</strong> 46 Minnesota<br />
charities to receive a portion of <strong>the</strong> $1,000,000<br />
in proceeds generated by <strong>the</strong> sale of <strong>the</strong><br />
Cities 97 Sampler, Volume 20. Cities 97<br />
recently presented Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> with a gift of<br />
$18,000, in recognition of our impact on <strong>the</strong><br />
community. The contribution will help support<br />
family programming at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Lodge</strong>, including<br />
covering <strong>the</strong> cost of guest stays and <strong>the</strong>rapeutic<br />
activities. We wish to extend a heartfelt thanks<br />
to Cities 97 for <strong>the</strong>ir generous support!<br />
Dave Dahl, from KSTP TV, joined <strong>the</strong> riders from<br />
<strong>the</strong> Electrical Motorcycle Tour as <strong>the</strong>y visited<br />
Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> in June, 2006. The EMT ride<br />
attracted more than 50<br />
bikers and raised $3,000<br />
for Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong>.<br />
RIDERS HIT THE<br />
ROAD FOR<br />
FAITH’S LODGE<br />
Biker enthusiasts will once again have <strong>the</strong><br />
opportunity to ride for Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> during <strong>the</strong><br />
Electrical Motorcycle Tour (EMT) on Saturday,<br />
June 27 th . Sponsored by Werner Electric, <strong>the</strong><br />
ride will start in <strong>the</strong> Twin Cities and head to<br />
<strong>the</strong> Siren area, where riders will stop for lunch<br />
and be welcomed by <strong>the</strong> Faith’s <strong>Lodge</strong> staff.<br />
For more info or to register to ride, contact<br />
David Withrow at Werner Electric Supply.<br />
320-534-5613 or dwithrow@WernerElec.com.