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Bethesda to Host Upcoming Annual Banquet at Harley-Davidson Museum

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Milwaukee, Wis. (Oct. 30, 2008) -- Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. will host its Annual Banquet at the Harley-Davidson museum. The event, to be held on Saturday, Nov. 8, will honor those who have made a positive contribution in the field of developmental disabilities.

One of the award recipients will be Rev. David Chuchu who is being presented with the Christian Service Award for Professionals. Chuchu is a Lutheran pastor, as well as the head of social ministry for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya. He has been instrumental in establishing a program in Kenya to enhance the supports offered to children with developmental disabilities. This includes job training for older children and offering foster care. During the recent political upheaval in Kenya, Chuchu’s efforts to help the most vulnerable populations, including people with developmental disabilities, has not wavered.

Receiving the Christian Service Award for Volunteers will be Jody Sparks, an accomplished singer and self-advocate who is currently supported in one of Bethesda’s Good Shepherd Communities programs. In addition to being a talented singer who performs throughout the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere, Sparks is an active volunteer, visiting group homes weekly and discussing the role her faith has had in her life.

This year, Bethesda will award the Legislative Committee of the Oregon Rehabilitation Association (ORA) with its Bethesda Voices Public Policy Award, an honor that goes to a person or group who has displayed excellence in advocacy. The Oregon group developed a unique advocacy program focusing on sound business models that effectively demonstrated the need for an increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates for providers of support services to people with developmental disabilities. Due to ORA’s efforts, the Oregon legislature approved a considerable 14 percent increase in state Medicaid reimbursement.

Bethesda’s former president and CEO, Dr. David Geske, will receive the 2008 Pool of Bethesda Award. This award is given to individuals who have made national or international contributions of service and leadership in the field of developmental disabilities. Geske has served in the field of developmental disabilities for over 40 years, helping to establish Bethesda in the international community, including building partnerships with IMPACT and Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) World Relief and Human Care, as well as making significant improvements in the quality of services and supports that Bethesda offers throughout the United States. He was also actively involved in Lutheran Services in America (LSA) and helped to establish the Disability Network of LSA.

All of Bethesda’s award recipients have made significant contributions to the field of developmental disabilities and Bethesda is excited to honor these individuals at the Annual Banquet. For interview opportunities, please contact the Media Relations department at 920-206-4492.

Now in its second century of service, Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. provides services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities throughout the country and around the world. Bethesda offers many different types of services for individuals and their families, including a variety of residential settings, supported-living programs and outreach services.

For more information on Bethesda’s services and support programs, call the public relations office at 800.369.4636, ext. 3817, or e-mail: pr@mailblc.org.