Locals raise money to build house in Honduras

The first night after Bonnie Hoffman decided to build a house for a family in Honduras, she couldn’t sleep.

Hoffman is spearheading an effort with Bethany Lutheran Church in Bigfork and Food for the Poor to build a home and feed a family in Honduras for one year. They are looking to raise $4,000 to go toward the house, food, clean water system, and job training. Two children will be given school supplies, clothing and shoes.

A pastor from Food for the Poor visited Bethany Lutheran over Memorial Day to talk about the program and Hoffman knew this was something she needed to do.

“Sitting there listening, God just said to me, ‘Bonnie, I want you to do this,’” she said.

She began planning fundraisers and hopes to have all of the funds raised by Oct. 19. If more than $4,000 is raised it will also go to the program for Food for the Poor to use.

Food for the Poor is a Christian ministry founded in 1982, and serves 17 countries throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. They provide housing, healthcare, education, fresh water, emergency relief and food.

Honduras is one of three countries in served by Food for the Poor that has a match program, meaning someone else will match Bethany Lutheran’s donation.

Honduras is the second poorest country in Central America. The country has become increasingly dependent on assistance in combating hunger and poverty. Malnutrition and infant mortality rates are high.

“It touches my heart in a lot of ways,” Hoffman said. “It’s really a great, great project.”

Hoffman and Bethany Lutheran are already three fundraisers in, and as of Monday were $1 short of the $1,300 mark. Some of the upcoming fundraisers include car washes, lemonade and bottled water stands, a bake sale, silent auction and a raffle.

Raffle and auction items will be displayed at different locations around Bigfork. Raffle tickets can be purchased at Flathead Bank and Glacier Bank, and are $1 each or 6 for $5.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the cause, volunteer, or donate silent auction items can contact Bonnie Hoffman at 837-6368.

Upcoming fundraisers

Aug. 9,  noon – 5 p.m. Car wash, lemonade & bottled water stand at Rocky Mountain Bank

Sept. 19, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Aug. 20, Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon Bake Sale, along with Bethany Lutheran’s Rummage Sale, at The Ark behind Bethany Lutheran Church

Oct. 19, Pie & Silent Auction and Raffle Drawings to be held around 11:30 a.m. after the church service at Bethany Lutheran in the Fellowship Hall

Raffle Prizes

Amish Hand Quilted Log Cabin Quilt

Crocheted Afghan (neutral, browns/blues)

Crocheted Afghan (dark blue & green)

Crocheted Afghan (blue jean blue, ultra soft, cozy)

Eagle Wall Hanging

Bed Runner Weddingstar Pattern

Ultra soft & cozy crocheted shawl

Indian Art Knife Collection Series, Grizzly bear on blade and bone handle