Thursday evening, La Poste in Perry was filled with people supporting the mission of Perry Lutheran Homes for the second annual StepUp! Dinner Celebration.

The invite only affair was attended by around 130 people, and the theme was “Intergenerational Connections and Honoring Elders in the Community.” The evening started with a welcome from PLH Board Chairman Curtis Carlson, who introduced the other members of the Board in attendance. Dinner was then served, with the meal catered by Harvey’s at Hotel Pattee. The program then began, starting with the presentation of the 2019 StepUp! Service Award for outstanding care of the elderly. PLH Administrator Melissa Gannon got choked up talking about the work done by this year’s recipient, which was Wanitta Ramsey.

PLH CEO Reverend Max Phillips then gave a presentation on all the programs currently sponsored by the Lutheran Home, including their work in Haiti with the Jacmel Lutheran Home, and the Acorns and Oaks Intergenerational Daycare. Following Phillips was the keynote speaker, Van Harden from WHO Radio in Des Moines. Harden used to work at KDLS Radio alongside this year’s Exemplar Award winner, Tom Quinlan. Quinlan died earlier this year, so his family accepted the award on his behalf.

The evening wrapped up with Phillips challenging the attendees to do their part for the StepUp! Program, asking for donations to support Perry Lutheran Homes. Their goal was to raise $40,000 at the event.