MEDIA ALERT

October 23, 2007

Contact: Jane Simpson, Director of Public Relations
(402) 978-5646 or jsimpson@lfsneb.org

Or: Meghan Malik, Young Families Initiative Program Supervisor and Wicker & Wine Event Coordinator
(402) 978-5638 or mmalik@lfsneb.org

Lutheran Family Services Hosts Wicker & Wine Boutique Basket Auction

Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska (LFS) is holding its annual Wicker & Wine Boutique Basket Auction to raise funds for its Building Families Boutique, a prevention/early intervention program for parents of prenatal and young children. The Boutique is located in Council Bluffs and serves families in Pottawattamie County. The fundraiser will be Thursday, Nov. 1 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in the atrium in the Omni Centre Business Park, 300 W. Broadway in Council Bluffs.

The event will feature wine and beverages, hors d’oeuvres, and live and silent auctions. Approximately 70 themed baskets developed for women, men, couples and families will be up for auction. The live auction includes a week’s stay at an oceanfront villa in Mexico, a specially-designed diamond and ammolite pendant necklace by M. Shepard Designs, a stunt plane ride, a hunting/fishing trip with meals/lodging on the Missouri River near Niobrara and many more.

Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. To reserve tickets call 712-242-1040 or visit www.lfsneb.org. Free parking is available in the Omni Centre garage. Participants must be 21 years of age or older.

The Chardonnay Sponsor is Home Instead Senior Care, and the other primary sponsors include Alegent Health and Wal-Mart. The honorary chairs are Council Bluffs Mayor Tom Hanafan and wife, Shirley and Iowa Western Community College President Dr. Dan Kinney and wife, Pam. Event Chairs are Bruce and Joni Rasmussen and family, including Brad and Beth Shain and Brian Rasmussen. The food and beverage chair is Pam Fischer Korth, the PR chair is Deb Putnam, oral auction chair is Bob Mundt, decorations chair is Alisa Roth, basket chairs are Joni Rasmussen and Keri Rheinfrank-Perkins and members at large are Mike Knedler, Sandy Becker and Carol Russell. Basket designer is Connie Malik.

The Building Families Boutique is located at 300 W. Broadway, Suite 7, in Council Bluffs. Through parent education and support, this incentive-based program engages parents and children in healthy activities. By participating in these activities, parents earn points to “purchase” new and used infant and toddler items at no cost.

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About Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska:
Thousands of families of all faiths are served through LFS programs and services that include counseling, addiction services, immigration legal services, refugee resettlement, prison aftercare, congregational support, foster care, adoption, respite care and disaster relief services. Learn more about LFS at www.lfsneb.org or call 402-342-7038.