On Saturday, February 1, nearly 200 family and friends of Immanuel Lutheran Church and Preschool in Mokena, Illinois gathered for a spaghetti dinner and art show with a silent auction to support their preschool.
The event featured preschool students’ artwork that had been completed throughout the year, including sculpture, process art, and renditions of famous paintings. Preschool families and congregation members had the opportunity to appreciate what students had learned, as well as to meet and have fellowship with each other.
Immanuel had previously hosted an annual spaghetti dinner by itself, but leaders in the congregation came up with a new idea. “We need to do something that will help build relationships with the families and the congregation. We’re located on the lower half of the building, and we’re a mission of the congregation, but we’re not always seen,” says Preschool Director Linda Marquardt. “We’re working hard by doing things like the spaghetti dinner art show to collaborate and make those connections.”
Attendees had the opportunity to bid on items in a silent auction, the proceeds of which also went to help fund the preschool. Guests could also take roadside-attraction-style photos with their faces in famous paintings such as Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Evard Munch’s The Scream, and Grant Wood’s American Gothic. Comfort Dogs Rahab and Jael brought the ministry of presence and compassion to the event.
“It was a great time. Sometimes you put a lot of effort into things and you don’t see the rewards, but this one was a win for everybody,” says Marquardt.