2011 Celebration for Changing Lives
On September 17, 2011 Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota celebrated another year of extraordinary service to Minnesota with a gala event in downtown Minneapolis.
Our Results
Guests joined the LSS Board of Directors, and new CEO Jodi Harpstead for an evening of compelling stories, heartfelt music and a vision realized when caring people come together to demonstrate the power of love for the neighbor.
- 80 table captains assembled nearly 800 supporters for the annual Celebration for Changing Lives dinner
- 27 of those tables were organized and filled with members of the congregational community
- $425,000 was raised to support the work of the Lutheran Social Service
Changing Lives
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Living In Abundance
Remarks by Jodi Harpstead, CEO Experience Jodi Harpstead's stunning inaugural speech as CEO.
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Kassie had a bright future ahead of her when she a life-changing illness caused her to spend two months in a coma. Though doctor's said she would never walk, see, or regain her memory, Kassie miraculously woke up. Undergoing treatment at LSS Transitions home for people with traumatic brain injury in Golden Valley, Kassie can now, take small steps with her walker, see, talk and write.
Read Kassie's story >
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After a traumatic experience living through the North Minneapolis tornado in 2011, Nyaa Alexander attended Camp Noah. Now she feels hopeful about her future and prepared for another storm.
Read Nyaa's story >
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Crystal had a hard childhood, but with support from LSS services, and determination, she now has the family she's always dreamed of.
Read Crystal's Story >
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Minnesota Values LSS went around the state video taping the values statements of Minnesotans. Here is a collection of those videos.
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View Pictures of the Celebration!
View photos of the night, including:
- Jim Vos' remarks on Unique Gifts
- The Steels, JD, Fred, Jearlyn, Jevetta and Billy, gracing our state with songs of hope and love
- Karen Sorbo, a renowned charity auctioneer, leading our experience and Fund the Need auctions
Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer
Awards Presented
LSS presented special awards to two honorees - a dedicated family foundation and an outstanding individual - for their commitment to improving the lives of others in Minnesota.
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Heritage Quilt Award for Outstanding Voluntarism—Verneil Gale, Red Wing
20 hours per week over 33 years comes out to more than 34,000 hours.
That is the contribution that’s been made to Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota by this year’s LSS Volunteer of the Year Award recipient – Verneil Gale, or as she is affectionately known around LSS – Grandma Gale.
Through the Senior Corps/ Foster Grandparent service, Grandma Gale has spent some time every day visiting and playing with children at the LSS Vasa Home in Redwing
Verneil is a beautiful example that should serve as inspiration to us all. Her commitment – to show up every day to bring unconditional love, social interaction, and fun – has transformed lives.
Read more about Grandma Gale >
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Changing Lives Award—The Endeavor Foundation
LSS Changing Lives award created to honor individuals or organizations having greatest impact on LSS and people we serve through combination of giving, serving and advocating.
This year's awardees embody the award criteria to a "T". Claire and Marjorie Johnson and their daughter, Kelly Kautz, have been significant supporters of LSS. Kelly has served as a volunteer for Camp Noah. Through their family Endeavor Foundation Kelly and her parents have generously supported LSS services for Homeless Youth, Refugee Services and the Center for Changing Lives, both as significant capital campaign donors and in the three years since the facility has opened.
Read more about the Endeavor Foundation >
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Sponsors
This event is made possible by support from the following sponsors:
Gold Sponsor:
Silver Sponsors:
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Bronze Sponsors:
Cub Cares Community Foundation | Larson Allen, LLP | Schwegman, Lundberg & Woessner, P.A. | JV Associates | The Duddingston Sylvester Group at MorganStanley Smith Barney | Deloitte Consulting LLP | Willis | SFM Risk Solutions | Public Strategies Group | Carlson Capital Management, Inc.