The theme for this year’s fundraising banquet was “Stepping Stones to the Future.” The evening’s festivities were dedicated to the work of Lutheran Community Services Northwest to empower clients to reach their goals of wellness one step at a time.  As Henry Ward Beecher once said, “Every charitable act is a stepping stone toward heaven.” Around 300 guests gathered together on Saturday, November 5th, at the downtown Portland Marriott Hotel with the sole purpose of raising funds for LCSNW programs. We raised over $117,000 as a direct result of generous giving from sponsors and donors.

The program began with Dr. Susan Halverson-Westerberg, LCSNW Board member, who greeted the evening’s participants. Rev. Paul Swanson, Bishop Emeritus of the Oregon Synod, ELCA, provided the group with an invocation before the meal was served. Afterwards, Salah Ansary, Regional Director, introduced both Roberta Nestaas, President/CEO, and the featured speaker, Dr. Pierre Morin.  Roberta spoke about the relevance of this year’s theme, and how it pertained to the agency’s mission of health, justice, and hope.  Dr. Morin shared case histories of clients who had experienced various kinds of trauma in their lives, and who were able to overcome the challenges facing them with the help of LCSNW.

The evening continued with Barry Hazard, Chief Development Officer, who asked everyone to “step up to the challenge” through their donations.  The Brothers Baladi provided the musical backdrop while guests prepared their gifts. At the end of the event, President Paul Linnemann of the Northwest District , LCMS, gave the benediction.

LCSNW thanks sponsors, table hosts, guests, and volunteers who made this dinner a success! 

Thank you to our sponsors, table hosts and all the volunteers who made the evening such a success!

If you missed the banquet, but would like to lend your support you can make a secure online donation on our Online Donation Page. Use the pull-down menu to designate your gift to the Portland office.

Thank You Sponsors!

Sponsors who provided financial support for this year’s Portland annual fundraising dinner were:

Lead Sponsor
Margaret Liebert

Benefactor Sponsors
Alice Iverson
Norb & Chris Leupold

Signature Sponsors
Kathleen & Thomas Jacobson

Sustainer Sponsors
Iris Jacobson
David & Melissa Martenson

Guardian Sponsors
Albina Fuel
Alice Danielson
John & Cathy Pederson

Patron Sponsors
James & Lois Bernhardt
Eric & Jan Luttrell
Paul & Debi Stromberg
 Thrivent – Clark County Chapter
Thrivent – SW Portland Chapter

Key Sponsors
Sandra Anderson
Bill & Amarrette Cunnings
Marva Dawn & Myron Sandberg
Judy Embler
Carol & Charles Geldaker
Laurie & Gregory Hannon
Robert & Virginia Hilken
Mark & Ann Kachmarek
David & Janyce Lundstedt
 Doug & Lynda McDowell,
Thrivent – N.E. Portland Chapter
Thrivent – Tualatin Valley Chapter
USI Northwest
Susan Halverson-Westerberg & Jim Westerberg