There is a certain element of anxiety and anticipation every year as we plan for our annual dinner: will things turn out OK. Do we have enough guests? Do we have enough items. Will the food be cold by the time it arrives at tables? I suppose it’s no different than hosting a party in your home.

But once again, at the end of this past Sunday’s Faith Hope and Love Dinner and Auction all those worries were laid to rest. We shared our stories. We had dinner together. People responded generously, as they always do.

One of the most poignant moments was when a patient stood up and great strength shared how the Clinic had helped him over the hump. Tracy Ritter and Lorrie Apel shared with emcee Mark Russell about how the work in Kenya is truly empowering an entire village.

This year we raised just over $73,000 to carry on the work of Genesis World Mission. Many thanks to all the volunteers, staff, board members, item donors and sponsors who made this possible.

Volunteers of the Year were recognized: Bill Renk, Andy Coombs, and Dr. Kaci Jensen at the Garden City Community Clinic. Digestive Health Clinic was recognized as the Volunteer Physicians Network practice of the year.

Thank you to Saint Alphonsus for being our Faith Event Sponsor this year. Thank you also to Muse Bistro and Wine Bar for sponsoring our wine wall.

I hope you enjoyed the couple of photos on this page from the event. There are more at our photographer’s personal Facebook Page. (Thanks to Donna and Roland Schimek for their photos.)