An Evening for India drew 150 guests to Firestone Country Club Saturday night. Paula McQueen chaired the benefit for the India Gospel League, which provides funds for programs in rural India.
The evening began with a reception for the Rev. Samuel Stephens, president of the India Gospel League (IGL), who flew in from India for the event. Stephens works with children in India, where the league operates 20 children’s homes and day-care centers and provides medical services and rural and economic development.
Leo Trudgeon flew in from Seattle for the event, along with Steve Hutson. A longtime friend of Stephens, Trudgeon said he’s been to India and seen the work accomplished there. His company, Trade-a-Blade, was the event sponsor.
Ann and Wally Biery, Vicki and Bill Ryan and Pauline Gniazdowski also greeted Stephens.
Dr. David Rice, executive director of the India Gospel League North America, said the group builds homes, plants churches, digs clean water wells and helps develop rural industry. Nurse Emily Lavender said she just returned from a medical mission to India, along with the Rev. Paul Wides.
Wides said the group of doctors and nurses set up a medical camp in rural India for villagers who often must travel for days to reach medical care.
Christie Claypoole said she has seen firsthand how the league is changing lives in India.
Volunteers Lindsay and Katie Johnson were in charge of the Indian Bazaar, where guests could purchase pillow covers, place mats and other items made by women in the league’s Rural Skill Training Center.
Bruce Roberts, Faye Slabaugh, Ruth Shifflet and Betty Libby looked over the bazaar and the silent auction of goods and services.
As they shopped, guests enjoyed chicken curry and grilled shrimp in chile ginger. Madison Yates and Mallory Kortics recommended the samosas dipped in chutney.
Also enjoying the event were Shariah and Jessie Isom, Darlene Sorib, Rudy Holz, Roland and Joan Coffey, Bob and Marie Zeller, Rob Lerer, Diana Keating, Garret and Emily Lavender, and Helmut Holz.
Jeff Byce conducted the live auction, and the Gene Fiocca Band provided music for dancing.