JAIL CHAPL AINS DESSERT SOCIAL

An auction bidding frenzy opened up the Jail Chaplains 9th annual Dessert Social & Fundraiser with a carrot cake that auctioned for $1,060. Following the lively auction, the event-filled evening was opened with a few words and a prayer offered by Nancy Schafer, Chair of the Board of Directors.

A group of retuning citizens walked across the stage holding cardboard signs. Each person wrote words that expressed their journey: Alone & Empty to Loved & Filled, Trapped by Addiction to Transformed by Christ, Low and Weak to Hopeful and Strong.

Captain Andrew Frobig spoke next and said, "In these times where addiction and crime are increasing, the Jail Chaplains is the one single thing I can point to and say, 'This is working.'"

Keynote speaker George Odio told of growing up wealthy in Cuba, losing it all and later becoming addicted to cocaine. As his addiction grew, he began to deal in cocaine and became, once again, a wealthy man. "My higher power was the dollar. I had everything." Arrested for dealing cocaine, Odio became a believer in Christ while incarcerated. He said, "The first time I ever felt truly free was in that cell." Odio complimented the Cass County Jail for its fine faith-based programming and the Jail Chaplains for their astonishing work.

Gerri Leach, executive director, spoke with joy and hope. "The Jail Chaplains helps build responsible citizens, better moms and dads. What God is doing is truly amazing."

Father Duane Pribula, Chaplain CHI Riverview closed the evening in prayer.

Each year 7,800 men and women pass through Cass County Jail. Many of them return to Fargo-Moorhead to live and work. Giving to the Jail Chaplains is giving to the community. [AWM]

For more information, to volunteer, or support the Jail Chaplains financially visit: www.jailchaplains.com