Housebuilding Dinner, July 19
The July 19 housebuilding dinner raised more than $13,000 to support a Mennonite Central Committee project in response to the devastation of Cyclone Sidr. With wind speeds comparable to those of Hurricane Katrina, the November 2007 cyclone killed thousands of people and destroyed more than half a million homes. MCC is building sturdier replacement houses similar in size to the originals, each costing $320.
Some 70 dinner guests enjoyed guitar music by Nate Macy and a meal of roasted pork loin or fresh grilled salmon, donated by an MCC friend in Alaska from his first catch of the season. Table decorations featured a burlap sack covered in tools and an arrangement of sunflowers, orchids, and other greenery.
MCC Northwest director Bob Buxman emceed the evening's program and introduced West Coast MCC Executive Director Sheri Wiedenhoefer. Jan Siemens, MCC Human Resources Assistant Director from Akron, Pa., told stories from her recent trip to Bangladesh, while Dana Moran shared how her life was affected by the three weeks she spent in Bangladesh with West Coast MCC's Summer Service Program. Dana is available to speak in churches.
"The evening was a huge success; we were overwhelmed by the outpouring of generosity for Bangladeshi families," says planner Barb Buxman. "Thanks so much to everyone who donated, as well as our wonderful crew of volunteers. We had about 18 people helping, including a group of young adults from Portland Mennonite Church who served the meal."
A traveling quilt made of house-shaped blocks will be at the Oregon Mennonite Festival for World Relief, helping to raise additional funds for this housebuilding project.
Barbecue, August 2
Great food, lovely weather, good fellowship and a beautiful country setting made for a successful barbecue at Harley and Marolyn Brenneman's to cover festival expenses. The Corvallis Mountain Boys (Ed Peachey, Dave Hockman-Wert, Marc Gascho Rempel, Jon Umble) provided a mix of folk, country, and bluegrass harmonies.
Bike the San Juan Islands, August 3 - 8, 2008
Celebrate the beauty of God’s creation by biking for five days on the “paradise islets” of the Evergreen State. $375 covers accommodations, food, T-shirt, first aid, sag and mechanical support.
Contact: Ken Beachy, (503)-634-2604, beachykn@monitorcoop.com
| Click the image for photos of the 2000 MCC San Juan Islands Bike Tour |
MCC accepting donations for Myanmar cyclone relief
Keep updated via this flyer from MCC's West Coast Office.