Page 14 - Our Hands FALL 2019

EVENTS

2019

“Be the Rock”

Made Some Waves

ecause of you and your commitment to being a ripple of Samaritas Volunteer Service Award
transformation, on September 30 at our Be the Rock Presented to New Holland Brewing Company for dedicated
BDinner Celebration, Samaritas raised over $220,000! commitment and exemplary volunteerism.
Presented by Pinnacle Construction Group and hosted at the
Amway Grand Plaza hotel, the evening was a smashing success and Samaritas Corporate Partnership Award
the funds raised will go to support critical Samaritas programs.
Presented to Miller Johnson Attorneys for unwavering
The event, chaired by Michael and Carolyn Garrett and Brett and dedication to the mission of Samaritas.
Pam VanderKamp, and co-chaired by John and Sandy Lowery Samaritas Ambassador Award
and Bing and Jean Goei featured Rebecca Deng who shared her
hauntingly beautiful and inspiring story as a Lost Girl. Rebecca Presented to Mark and LaRae Odland for leadership and
was one of the first unaccompanied refugee children to enter guidance in promoting advocacy and increased community
the United States in 2000. She recently released a book, “What awareness
They Meant For Evil”, an account of her unimaginable journey. Samaritas Leadership Award
Maranda, from WOTV 4, who interviewed Rebecca when she first
arrived in the United States, facilitated the discussion at Be the Presented to Senator Peter MacGregor for his work in family
Rock. preservation in West Michigan.
Brett and Janelle Beimer were the mission speakers. Their motto Another highlight of the evening was the loaded silent and live
has been, “if we have the resources, as opposed to building a bigger auctions. Packages included weekend getaways, dinners at fine
wall, build a bigger table.” With that philosophy, they have fostered restaurants, spa days, and hotel overnights. The live auction
over 20 children and adopted 5. They challenged the audience to featured a digital billboard from GR Outdoor, a painting
make a bigger ripple in their own lives. It was a highlight of the created onsite from Erick Picardo, Handcrafted Michigan
evening. Adirondack chairs, and a tasting dinner for 6 from New
Holland Brewing Company.
The GE 36th Street Band entertained
the crowd during the receptions with
their toe-tapping big band hits and the THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS!
Imani Choir opened the program with Presenting: Celebration:
a beautiful hymn.
The awards presentation highlighted
West Michigan community leaders
and influencers who are rocks
starting the ripples of transformation
for all the people in our care:

Benefactor:
Rebecca Deng LaRae & Mark
Odland

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