Light Up the Night - Remembering Abby 2015

MILLER, ALTMAIER

Posted By: Mistina Christner (email)
Date: 7/30/2018 at 11:03:48

Source: Kalona News Article 9/17/2015

Light Up the Night - Remembering Abby to be held Friday evening

The first annual "Light Up the Night - Remembering Abby" event will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at Sharon Center United Methodist Church. The fund raising for the Amanda the Panda event is in memory of Abby Miller, the daughter of Lowell and Dorothy Miller.
"Our precious Abby died in July 2014 as a result of a drowning accident," said Dorothy. "Our family has benefited greatly from the time we have been able to spend at Camp Amanda and Amanda the Panda Grief Center. Our 9-year-old daughter Kali started the dream of giving back by stating she wished to help Amanda like Amanda has helped us. We are hoping to raise $5,100, which will benefit five Iowa families by gifting them with and entire year of free grief therapy."
Amanda the Panda will be present as well as Crazy George (a favorite with kids) who will make a special appearance at 7 p.m. The event will feature live local music with ongoing concerts.
Music schedule is as follows:
Risen (Hannah Altmaier and friends) 5 to 5:30 p.m.
Living Praise (young men's quartet from Sharon Bethel) 5:35 to 6:20 p.m.
Risen 6:25 to 6:40 p.m.
The Great Bluegrass Herons 6:45 to 7:20 p.m.
Jam Session (all groups)

Also at the event will be food including carnival favorites, fresh fruit, home made pies and cookies.
Princess Rapunzel will be making an appearance at 5:30 p.m. and will be available in a meet and greet style atmosphere for all young princesses to meet and take photos with. Young ones are encouraged to dress in their favorite princess costumes.
There will be a corn hole tournament that has prizes including $25 gift cards from Hills Bank. Cost is $20 per team to enter.
A large silent auction will be held featuring over 60 groupings from local merchants, family and friends, including Scheels gift cards, local eateries including Kalona Brewery, Panera Bread, 2 Dogs Pub and more.
there will be family fun packs to Kalonial Lanes and putt putt, Iowa Children's Museum and Fun Zone. A live auction at 8 p.m. will include Abby's great-aunt Odena's Ground Cherry Pies, a birthday party at the Gymnest, brunch for six at Ethel's Gourmet Kitchen and more.
Also present will be 10 local vendors including Tupperware, Norwex, Mary Kay and more.
The raffle (photos included) features 5 items, American Girl Doll, Knights and Castles set, B&B stay, 50/50 raffle and a handmade blanket. The evening will end with a Chinese Lantern release.
Amanda the Panda's mission is to restore grieving children and their families back into the mainstream of their lives through innovative services that provide hope and healing. Abby's family feels strongly that the support of Amanda the Panda has been an essential part of their grieving process. More about the services at amandathepanda.org.
To contribute to the fund raising efforts, individuals or groups can provide gifts or gift certificates to be used in the silent auction and raffle. Monetary donations can also be given for the extras needed to make the night a success. Checks should be made payable to Dorothy Miller. Contact O'Donnell at 319-530-9978 or sara@ReadForOurFuture.com to arrange pick-up of your donation.
They ask gift items be labeled with the donor's name and approximate value. Each supporter will be recognized with a thank you banner on display the evening of the event. Silent auction and raffle items will have extra signage, crediting the party donating each items.
For more information or to sign up for the corn hole tournament contact Sara O'Donnell at 319-530-9978 or sara@reaffourourfortune. To read about Abby's story, visit dorthymae.blogspot.com/2014/07/abby.html.