Circle of Love

THANK YOU to all who participated in the 2011 Circle of Love Golf Outing.

The top team for raising money was Bill Wiedenbeck, Don Haugen, Bud Jensen and Reed Ellingson with $2,520; the second team was Hap Johnson, Dan Murray Jim Bakken and Lowell Bakken with $2,025. The two teams that won the golf challenge were the team of John Suby, Matt Suby, Duane Kleven and Bill Buchholz; coming in second was Jason Shanda, Dennis Belter, Matt Papke and Kevin Hoops. Both teams shot 57, with John Suby’s team beating the tie breaker.

Monies raised at this annual event are used to sponsor children from Ukraine and to improve the dental care in the Borodyanka community by providing their dentist with equipment, supplies and training.

Event Contact:

Jack Poulson | Email

jackpoulson@att.net

(608) 219-4799

Circle of Love

Brief History

After the worst nuclear accident at Chernobyl nuclear power plant in the Soviet Union, an estimated 3 million people are suffering the effects of radioactive fallout on their agricultural lands and waterways.

Children Of Chernobyl Project

In 1990, Connie & Cliff McClain of Petaluma, CA traveled to the Soviet Union and witnessed the hardships suffered by many as a result of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. They learned of respite programs that sent children throughout Europe to breathe uncontaminated air and eat uncontaminated food in hopes of strengthening their immune systems. In 1991, at the invitation of the McClains, the first group of ten children with their interpreter arrived in Petaluma for a six-week respite. Since then churches and organizations all over the world have been sponsoring children for respite care.

Since 2000, Bethel Lutheran Church has sponsored a children from a community center in Borodyanka, Ukraine. The children, an interpreter, and chaperones spend 6 weeks in Madison with host families from Bethel's congregation.

Health Recuperation Respite

The main focus of the program is providing dental, vision, and medical care for the children. They attend English and computer classes 3 mornings a week. And getting them out of their country and giving them clean air, pure water, and non-contaminated food help to strengthen their immune systems.

Click here to view July 2011 Announcement introducing 2011 Circle of Love guests and host families.

Ways You Can Help

These children will come to trust and depend on you. This visit will have a great impact on their lives and yours.

Fundraising & Sponsorship

Circle Of Love Golf Outing is our primary source of funding for the program. There are many ways of helping, you don't have to be a golfer to participate. Please consider being a Sponsor.

We are already looking for host families and helping hand families for the Summer of 2012 (June 15 - July 27). Contact Jacqui Shanda or Susan Straus for details and an application form.

Host Family

Not only are you providing them a respite from their living conditions, you are also exposing them to a different culture, a more open and democratic society, and a loving Christian home. It is a great adventure and an awesome responsibility. The most important roles of the host family are to provide the children visiting with:

Day to day care in a stable environment.

Wholesome food, clean air and water.

Love that will make them feel at home in a foreign country.

What does it take to be a Host Family

Contact Jacqui Shanda or Susan Straus for more information.

Helping Hand Family

Provide support to host family.

Stay in close contact, visiting and assisting host family.

Help with rides to medical appointments, shopping, day trips, and more.

Contact Jacqui Shanda or Susan Straus for more information.

Questions regarding Circle of Love can be forwarded to

Jacqui Shanda | Email

blceducation@bethel-madison.org

(608) 257-3577 x 333