Senior Nutrition Fundraiser Gets More than Money
Local fundraising plays a role
in many LSS programs across the state. So when 15% State of Minnesota budget
cuts hit the Senior Nutrition programs last year, ingenuity among the staff
and volunteers emerged in many places.
In Hubbard County, for example,
LSS Meals-on-Wheels became the recipient of earnings from a St. Patrick's
Day benefit concert on March 14, in Park Rapids. Northwind Crossing, a group
that specializes in Celtic music, selected the LSS Meals-on-Wheels program
from others that the group considered. Willis Mattison of Northwind Crossing
said that the group chose LSS and Meals-on-Wheels because of the impact the
program has on the areas seniors.
"Bill Meyer, the assistant
pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids, knew that many people
depended on Meals-on-Wheels and that the program was very worthy of our
support. We explored others, but decided that LSS was the one, to support
this year," Mattison explained.
Darlene Morgenstern-Loch, the
LSS Senior Nutrition supervisor in Park Rapids, said that the benefit had
special impact on the large audience at the Park Rapids High School
Auditorium, since Northwind Crossing wove the workers, volunteers and
clients into the evening's program. "One person told the audience how
Meals-on-Wheels had helped her mother remain in her home; another expressed
her gratitude for what the daily meals mean to her life, " Morgenstern Loch
said.
In addition to netting over
$5,000, the benefit brought a renewed interest and higher visibility in the
Senior Nutrition program. Many more seniors called for information, and some
of those are asking to be part of the program. TEAM Industries, Coldwell
Banker, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, and Coburn's also served as event
sponsors.
Northwind Crossing performances
include "story telling" that presents the historical contexts for many of
the tunes and songs. The stories provide brief glimpses into the rich
cultural heritage of this art that is Celtic music. Part of Northwind
Crossing's mission is to help organizations raise funds that serve community
needs. Northwind Crossing has a web site:
www.northwindcrossing.com.
