Love In the Name of Christ (INC) Heartland, headquartered in Delano, hosted its spring gala, A Tropical Evening of Praise, in April at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Parish Center in Waverly. The event was a big success, and raised $15,000 to help serve local neighbors in need.

The event was attended by 225 guests, who enjoyed a tropical-themed buffet meal, dessert auction, a short program with message and music, and the opportunity to bid on more than 150 donated silent auction items.  Shown are Cheri Asfeld, Pastor Gale Reitan, Jan Johnson, and Terri Harris were all dressed up for the tropical-themed event.

Love INC Heartland in Delano provides clothing, furniture, household items, home repair, diapers, formula, and other emergency services to those who need it most.

Due to the generosity of those who donated items for the auction, bought tickets, and bid on the auction items and desserts, Love INC Heartland is able to put those funds to use in its many ministries to neighbors in need.

Love INC Heartland greatly appreciates all of the individuals, local businesses, and affiliate churches whose participation and support of this year’s event made it such a huge success.

Love INC earns award
Love (INC) Heartland was recognized at the Love INC National Conference at the Hilton Hotel Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport location April 22-25.

Love INC Heartland was honored with a 5-Year Service Award for its affiliation in the Love INC National Organization, which is headquartered in Minneapolis.
The National Love INC Organization has been in existence for 30 years, has more than 120 affiliates in 30 states, and is beginning to expand its mission to other countries, as well.
The theme of the national conference this year was “The Movement,” and included speakers, special guests, music, and workshops for attendees.
Love INC Heartland in Delano was able to send its director, Terri Harris; several of its staff and volunteers, and a few board members to the national conference to participate in the event and network with other Love INC affiliates from all over the US.
Love INC Heartland in Delano provides services to  Maple Plain, Independence, Loretto, Greenfield, Rockford, Montrose, Howard Lake, Waverly, Delano, Watertown, and Mayer.
Love INC Heartland now has 23 affiliate churches of all denominations in the area, working with them to make these services possible.
In the first quarter of 2009, Love INC Heartland served the needs of 672 individuals; and in the first quarter of 2010, it met more than 1,900 individual needs.
Love INC Heartland also operates the Thrift and Gift Store at its 318 Railroad Street location in Delano. The store is open to the public and accepts donations.
For more information on how to help or become involved with Love INC Heartland, call the Delano office at (763) 9726547 or visit the web site at www.loveincheartland.org.