To the editor:

Two very generous anonymous donors recently challenged Gateway to Discovery / Hope Sweet Hope Studios with two $20,000 matching grants. Any monies given up to this amount in October through December would be tripled. Thanks to the donors and thanks to literally hundreds in Fort Dodge and the surrounding area, GTD / HSHS has not only met its goal but exceeded it!

In November, GTD / HSHS held its annual “It’s a Chocolate Thing” chocolate tasting fundraiser. Thanks to the hundreds of people who attended and those who helped make it a huge success. Especially thanks to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fort Dodge for again providing the perfect venue. Even as they continue to grieve the recent loss of their Pastor Al Henderson, they “carry on” with their outreach and mission to Gateway for the third year now with the use of their facility. Thank you! Sixty-eight separate donors gave items for the silent auction. Ten volunteers gave chocolate treats for tasting. The winner for the “best chocolate” treat was Alisha Rogers from Valero Renewable Fuels! Over $15,000 was raised (to be tripled) from this event alone for Gateway / Hope Sweet Hope Studios! Thank you!

Thank you to the 21 sponsors for the event:

Platinum Level: Roger and Joyce Natte

Gold Level: Dr. Andrew & Monica Shelly, USW Utility Group, Dr. John Garton, Phil & Evy Somsen

Silver Level: Ann Meyer, Holy Trinity Parish, Valero Renewable Fuels Co, LLC., Rasch Construction, Inc., Ft. Dodge Oral Surgery & Implant Center, Daybreak Rotary, Steve Pahl, Hope Church

Bronze Level: Fort Dodge Noon Rotary, Brian D. Larson, Kemna Auto of Ft. Dodge, Dr. Matt & Laura Maggio, Daniel Pharmacy, Fort Dodge Noon Sertoma, Loretta Weinzetl-Pahl, Gunderson Funeral Home.

Gateway to Discovery is a two-year faith based program “Offering Women a Sanctuary for Recovering in Community.” Now in its seventh year of existence, over 65 women have benefited from the program. It is a wonder to see the transformations in women when they become sober and grateful. Women who were once enslaved by addictions and homelessness not only become sober, but productive, independent and successful. Getting in touch with their spiritual selves makes all the difference.

To the many people who helped GTD / HSHS meet its goal, we would like to THANK YOU for participating in transforming women’s lives. A great big thank you to staff Carmen Clavin and Josi Pahl and to the women of Gateway for putting together such a fabulous fundraising event!

Gateway to Discovery Board:

Stephanie Coble-Day, Chair

Jodie Maguire, V. Chair

Rev. Sara Hill

Jessica Moffitt, Secretary

Stella Buie

Joyce Garton-Natte, Co-Treasurer

Charlie Claussen

Cassie Jordison, Co-Treasurer

Mike Witham