AFundraisers: A world of hope

Two fundraisers offer hope to families in transition.

By SARA GLASSMAN, Star Tribune

Last update: October 11, 2009 - 7:12 PM

Families first

Perspectives is a comprehensive program dealing with recovery issues, working with at-risk families and children and offering supportive housing.

At last month's 10th annual Perspectives of Hope Gala, the event honored Sue Zelickson, food contributor to WCCO radio and Minnesota Monthly, who started the organization's Kids Cafe about 15 years ago. The program feeds kids five nights per week and teaches them about nutrition and cooking.

"I was embarrassed, but honored and thrilled at the same time," Zelickson said. "It doesn't take one person; it takes the whole staff to make it all happen."

Still, the foodie-about-town did get a lot of credit for her influence in the community from those in attendance at the Graves 601 Hotel in downtown Minneapolis.

"We try to do whatever Sue tells us," said Megan O'Hara, wife of Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak. "She's one of those people who never ages."

Righteous rock

After Mark and Susan Lacek's daughter Faith died in 2000, they created Faith's Lodge in Danbury, Wis.

"It's a place for people who have lost a child or have seriously ill children to go and connect," Mark Lacek said. "They can share with each other. It helps them to process and maintain hope for their child who is still alive."

For their annual Hope Rocks fundraiser last month at the Epic Event Center in Minneapolis, music and a rock-'n'-roll dress code were the centerpieces, along with a performance by the BoDeans. It's a cause that's easy to dance to.

Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177

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