Flathead generosity still shines

The lights are shining brightly in the Lighthouse Christian Home after the success of its "Swingin' on High Concert and Dance" on March 18 at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake. Thanks to the generosity of the community, proceeds from the home's first large fundraiser since its reorganization in 2004 were twice as much as expected and will provide about 20 percent of its annual operating costs, said program manager Shirley Willis.

Nearly 300 guests turned out for an elegant and friendly evening capped by music of the Big Band era by the Swingin' On High Band, and swing demonstrations by the Flathead High School Swing Dance Club.

The Lighthouse is a nonprofit faith-centered facility for the developmentally disabled in which the residents' lives are focused on devotion and prayer. The home offers a 24/7, full-time staffing model with 10 staff members, four of whom are full-time.

It's a nonprofit co-ed facility that currently is home to 10 residents 18 years of age and older but soon will increase its residency to 12. Because it receives no state or federal funds, the Lighthouse relies on community donations and a small fee from each resident for financial support.

All the materials for the home's construction were donated, said board member Kelly Apgar, whose parents were on the founding board back in about 1990. Ground was broken in 1994, and the 8,000-square-foot home was completed four years later. It houses a large dining room, kitchen and pantry and ample space for the residents' on-site work-program projects, which include placing Coffee Traders labels on their coffee bags and collating materials for area businesses. Willis says the home always is looking for ways to increase its work-program opportunities.

And they are a group of hard workers. The home has a family-farm environment, complete with chickens and cows, a huge garden and flower beds that everyone chips in to maintain. In the fall, they put together a harvest festival for the public during which they feature the plentiful produce from their well-tended garden.

For their Helping Hands Program, residents volunteer in the community as Salvation Army bell-ringers and fill bags at the food bank. Some help with the nursery and kids' programs at churches, and last year they participated in the United Way's Christmas in April program, helping others with their household maintenance and light housework.

Residents always look forward to their Fabulous Fun Fridays when they head out for all kinds of activities - trail rides and rodeos, concerts and frequent visits to the library and Hockaday.

They also put together a team for the Special Olympics three times a year, and each competitor comes home with a medal.

Many hands made light work of organizing their fundraiser this year, from the staff and board members to the artists and businesses who were big-hearted beyond measure in their support.

"Your generosity has blessed us immensely," said Willis and Apgar. "We wanted to give you an enjoyable evening, introduce you to the Lighthouse staff and residents, and have unique auction items for purchase; that and much more was accomplished. Thank you, thank you!"

To learn more about the Lighthouse, call Willis at 857-3276.