MEDIA RELEASE

Media Alert
July 20, 2009
For Immediate Release / Coverage Request

Contact: Jane Simpson, LFS Director of Public Relations 978-5646

Lutheran Family Services hosts Global Voices Evening to celebrate cultural diversity

Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska (LFS) is hosting Global Voices Evening Saturday, August 1, from 6-9 p.m. at the Hilton Omaha -- a new event this year to benefit the LFS Community Services Department and to celebrate Nebraska’s rich cultural diversity. Douglas County Treasurer and community leader John Ewing, Jr. will serve as Emcee.

The LFS Community Services Department serves the needs of refugees, immigrants and asylees across Nebraska. They strive to provide individuals, families and communities with the tools, support and guidance necessary to achieve self-sufficiency and empowerment. In 2008, Lutheran Family Services resettled 409 refugees from 12 different countries and provided immigration legal services to 713 individuals from 43 countries.

Cost for the evening is $75. The event reception features music from the Karen community (Burma), a Scottish bagpipe player and a Polish accordion player. The silent auction features unique, culturally-diverse items such as original artwork by a Karen refugee; books, scarves and hats from Pakistan; masks, purses and fabric from Ghana and Kenya; Kenyan Couture of authentic Massai dress with hand beaded jewelry; Mexican pottery; and a 2 CT. T.W. diamond double row heart pendant.

Guests will enjoy a dinner and program which begins with the Grand Entry of Nations, a cultural parade of individuals dressed in native regalia representing many countries and weaving throughout the banquet room accompanied by an African drummer. The evening continues with a video of refugees sharing their stories and experiences and a keynote presentation by author Dr. Mary Pipher of Lincoln. A book signing will be held after the event.

Dr. Pipher’s many books include Reviving Ophelia and The Middle of Everywhere. Her special area of interest is how American culture influences the mental health of its people. Her down-to-earth stories of hope and resilience inspire people to work together to build a better community. Dr. Pipher has appeared on the Today Show, 20/20, the Charlie Rose Show, the News Hour with Jim Lehrer and National Public Radio’s Fresh Air. Reviving Ophelia was #1 for 27 weeks and on theNew York Times best seller list for 154 weeks. (NOTE: Dr. Pipher will take media calls for interviews by phone at (402) 484-5548 prior to the event – when calling please indicate that the purpose of the call is in regard to the Global Voices Evening event.)

The Gold-level sponsor for the event is Alegent Health. For information or reservations, go online at www.lfsneb.org or contact Kim Thomas at 536-3505 or email kthomas@lfsneb.org.

For more information about Community Services programs, their impact and how you can help, please click here.