A significant gathering took place on Tuesday evening, where approximately 150 individuals gathered at Trinity Lutheran Church to enjoy a traditional Fat Tuesday Pancake Dinner. This event served a greater purpose beyond just a meal—it aimed to raise funds and awareness for refugees. Through the collective efforts of attendees, the dinner managed to collect an impressive $8,000, which will be donated to Global Refuge, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting legal immigrants and refugees.

The urgency surrounding this fundraiser stems from recent changes in federal funding policies. Pastor Erik Christensen highlighted that the sudden withdrawal of government support for legal immigration services has left organizations like Global Refuge relying entirely on private donations. To bolster their mission, members from various local churches, including St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Grace Lutheran Church, and Northminster Presbyterian Church, came together in solidarity. Their combined efforts demonstrate the power of community cooperation in addressing critical humanitarian needs.

In times of uncertainty, it is heartening to witness such strong community support for those in need. The response to this event underscores the importance of grassroots initiatives in sustaining vital services. It also highlights the resilience and compassion of local faith-based groups who continue to step up when government resources fall short. Such actions remind us all of the positive impact we can have by working together towards common goals.