MEDIA RELEASE

Post-Event release
August 5, 2009
For Immediate Release

Contact: Jane Simpson, LFS Director of Public Relations
978-5646, cell 690-7344 or jsimpson@lfsneb.org
Kim Thomas, Interim Director, Community Services
346-6100 or kthomas@lfsneb.org

Lutheran Family Services hosts Global Voices Evening to celebrate cultural diversity

Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska (LFS) raised over $24,000 at the Global Voices Evening event Saturday, August 1, from 6-9 p.m. at the Hilton Omaha.  Approximately 250 people attended this new event to benefit the LFS Community Services Department and celebrate Nebraska’s rich cultural diversity.  Douglas County Treasurer and community leader John Ewing, Jr. served as emcee.  Mayor Jim Suttle and his wife Deb attended.

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 was $75.  The event reception featured music from the Karen community (Burma), a Scottish bagpipe player and a Polish accordion player. A silent auction featured unique, culturally-diverse items representing several countries.

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

Dr. Pipher’s many books include Reviving Ophelia and The Middle of Everywhere: The World’s Refugees Come to Our Town.  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. 

The gold-level sponsor for the event was Alegent Health.  For more information or to donate, visit the Web site at www.lfsneb.org or contact Kim Thomas at 536-3505, kthomas@lfsneb.org.

LFS Mission Statement:  Lutheran Family Services expresses God’s love for all people by providing quality human care services that build and strengthen individual, family and community life.

Thousands of families of all faiths are served through LFS’ statewide programs and services in the areas of Behavioral Health Services, Children Services and Community Services.

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