On October 2nd, the North Puget Sound office of Lutheran Community Services celebrated its annual fall fundraising brunch at the Bellevue Hilton.  The last minute closure of I-405, a Seahawks game and two Crop Hunger Walks couldn’t keep over 225 guests from “Stepping Up to the Challenge” and making a difference in the lives of our most vulnerable neighbors.

Frank Jennings was a Master of Ceremonies extraordinaire and kept everyone entertained during the afternoon.  Roberta Nestaas, LCSNW President and CEO, spoke of the future and how sometimes the steps we take are firm and solid, while at other times, a bit unsteady and in need of extra support.  She introduced our new Area Director, Greg Dootson, and together they presented the Ruben Spannaus award to The Whitehorse Foundation, represented by Ceil Erickson.

Guests listened intently to heartwarming stories from the Stadler family, the Kesler-Wells family and the Morales family.  The Stadlers and Kesler-Wells families opened their hearts and homes to neglected and abused children, giving them loving and safe ‘forever homes’.  The Morales family shared how LCS helped them through a very rough year and have come out stronger and with many new friends. 

Jim McGinnis asked us all to “Step Up to the Challenge” to continue helping those who need hope for a brighter future.  Katie Skovholt, her sister Charlotte Skovholt and Ali Webb shared their beautiful voices with us as they performed acappella “One Voice” by Ruth Moody.
The brunch was a wonderful testimony of how Lutheran Community Services is making a difference for children and youth in the foster care system, refugee children and families, and parents seeking to build strong, resilient and self-sufficient families and communities. Together donors, community partners, staff and volunteers all made a commitment to “Step Up to the Challenge!”

Many heartfelt thanks go to our generous sponsors and gracious givers for helping to make our Brunch such a success!

For those who were not able to join us, gifts to support LCS are gratefully accepted year-round. A quick, easy way to give is possible on our Online Donation Page. Use the pull-down menu to designate your gift to the Seattle office.

Photo Gallery

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Thank You To Our Sponsors!

Thanks to the following sponsors, our meal and program were provided free of charge – so all gifts given at the event went directly to support our programs. Please show your appreciation by supporting our corporate sponsors!

Corporate Sponsors
Abbott Construction
Clark Nuber
Heffernan Law Group
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
            East King County Chapter
            Southwest Snohomish County Chapter
The Behar Company
Homewatch CareGivers
Windermere Real Estate – Oak Tree

Lead Sponsors Walter and Paula Schlotterbeck	Sustainer Sponsors John and Katie Gienapp Al and Sally Vraspir	Patron Sponsors Rick Baumann Phil and Ellen Nelson
Benefactor Sponsors Steve and Ashlie McConnell William Roth	Guardian Sponsors Marian Christjaener Jim and Marilyn McGinnis Friends of LCS	Key Sponsors Frank and Sandy Jennings Art and Julie Landskov Bonnie and Lynden Lee
Major Sponsors Greg Peterson and Robb Akridge

Sponsor In-Kind
Many thanks for the gifts and talents given to make this event a success. Particular thanks to Darel Roa at Darel Roa Photography for his gift of photographic services.