Lutheran community supports LSS
Barb and Chuck Swanson, members of Diamond Lake Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, were presented the 2013 Changing Lives Award by LSS CEO Jodi Harpstead at the LSS gala in September “for their impact on LSS and the people we serve through a combination of volunteering, advocacy and philanthropy.”
Photo courtesy of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
More than 700 supporters of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) gathered at the LSS annual gala at the Minneapolis Hilton on September 14 to hear moving tributes about the courage and determination of people who had overcome the odds with help from LSS.
Keynote speaker Kevin Kling, best known for his popular commentaries on National Public Radio’s All Things Considered, spoke with tenderness, poignancy, charm, and humor about “The Healing Power of Story.” In addition, nationally acclaimed singer and director of Twin Cities Community Gospel Choir Robert Robinson shared his powerful and inspirational gospel music.
LSS CEO Jodi Harpstead also offererd an inspirational reflection. Supporters then stepped up with generous financial gifts through the Fund-the-Need Auction to continue the work of bringing safety, dignity, and hope to the lives of some of the state’s most vulnerable citizens.
The auction was again given a special boost from this year’s Premier Sponsor, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. The fraternal organization matched the first 15 new $1,000 donors.
LSS raised $672,000 to support its mission. Last year’s gala raised $575,000.
To view archives of the activities of the evening or to hear the speeches, visit www.lssmn.org/celebration2013.
Tags: annual gala, Jodi Harpstead, Kevin Kling, LSS, Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, Robert Robinson, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Twin Cities Community Gospel Choir
