by Ruth Storkel
Lighthouse NW ministry in Des Moines has success stories of changed lives to tell! Over ten years ago, Sarah Tuttle and her husband founded this outreach program for victims of domestic abuse and have seen many peoples’ lives transformed! She writes about it in this poem:
“A Life Remade”
(by Sarah Tuttle)
Breathtakingly beautiful
To rise from the ashes
To battle to breathe in the midst of the smoldering smoke
Life flickers and forms out of darkness and death
Magnificent. Miraculous.
Messy.
Sacred and holy.
Believing beyond self and sight
To rise from a flickering flame to a bright burning fire
Enduring embers ready to ignite the next one to life.
Fall Fundraising Events
Local community members are supporting and helping this ministry, which depends on donations. Bobbie Jo, the Development Director for Lighthouse NW (bobbiejo@lighthousenw.org), shared some new, exciting opportunities for our community to support this life-changing program.
Online Auction
One of the fund-raisers of Lighthouse NW is an online auction. It begins on September 29, going live at 6 p.m. and closing on October 14 at 7:05 p.m. The auction items are accumulating; a number of businesses in Des Moines donate yearly to this great cause. These include gift cards from Pauline’s Nails, Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant, and B and E Meats (to name a few). There will also be homemade quilts, a carwash kit from O’Reilly’s, and a huge potted flower arrangement (lots of variety in items to bid on).
You can go online to view: https://app.charityauctionstoday.com/auctions/celebrate-2023-38026
Open House
Celebrate Event: Dessert Night Event Invitation to Community
On the evening of October 14, the public is invited to an event at Des Moines Hope Church (22415 19th Ave.S, Des Moines). The auction items will be presented to the highest bidders during this time.
On this special night, women who have participated in Lighthouse NW Program will share their stories. There will be a “Dessert Dash” (another fundraiser); people at each round table will bid on desserts and enjoy eating them together as the speakers share their stories.
This evening will be an excellent time to get acquainted with Lighthouse NW and learn how we can become involved in helping women who have lived through abuse. The public is encouraged and welcome to attend!
Register at: https://lighthousenw.kindful.com/e/celebrate-event-2023
5K Run Fundraiser
On October 14, there will be a 5K Run, the Des Moines Creek Park Run, held Saturday morning at 9 a.m. The fee is $45.00 (participants will receive a T-shirt.)
Monies will go to the support of Lighthouse NW. (This sounds like a great way to enjoy a beautiful fall morning and support a worthy cause simultaneously!) Come and join us!
Register at: https://lighthousenw.kindful.com/e/celebrate-event-2023
In addition to donating finances, the public may help by donating these four much-needed items for Sasha House:
- Toilet Paper
- Paper Towels
- Laundry Detergent
- Baby Wipes
Some supporters also have enjoyed participating in the Amazon Wish Link:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1VE101N839A3N?ref=wl share
(This link shares items you can buy for women with specific personal needs.)
If you have questions regarding the Lighthouse NW and its programs, you may contact them at:
Phone: 206-824-8581
