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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.

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