Threshold Winter 2007

Night of Dreams Honors Dick Bruggen

“He entered into the spirit of every meeting as if it was the only important event of his day. His concentration, advice, commitment and determination to do as much if not more than others were unparalleled. The sisters are so privileged having him as one of our patrons, mentors, friends.”

Dick (pictured at left) at the 2004 Night of Dreams when he won the $15,000 drawing (and returned it to the sisters)

Thus spoke Sister Anne Shepard at the Night of Dreams benefit dinner and auction on November 17. She was remembering long-time supporter Richard (Dick) Bruggen who died in 2007.

The Night of Dreams gets bigger and better every year. This year, more than 600 people registered for the gala dinner and auction at the KCI Expo Center. They went home with over 240 silent auction items, some 20 larger oral auction offerings, and the blessing and gratitude of the sisters.

The Tanzanian sisters gave a special thanks for support in their education so that they may return to help their people. In addition to Sisters Susana and Presentasia are joined this year by Sister Mariana Ndetewale, who is studying English at Donnelly College and living at Peace House. Accompanied by traditional instruments, the three sang a song of gratitude and Sister Presentasia spoke in clear and confident English of what the help of such generous benefactors is doing for her and for her people.

A special drawing has also become a part of the Night of Dreams. This year’s winners of $15,000 were Bill and Barbara Vondras of Wisconsin, brother and sister-in-law of Sister Cyprian Vondras. When they received the phone call, Sister Cyprian recounts, she had Sister Mary Agnes speak to them as she wasn’t sure they would have believed her. Sister Cyprian says that she can’t take credit for selling them the winning ticket. “I was surprised, too,” she said. “They told me they had heard about it and decided to take a chance.”

The proceeds, which topped $200,000, go to support the ministries of the sisters, especially the works of such sponsored programs as Sophia Spirituality Center, Keeler Women’s Center, Happy Hearts Adult Learning Center, and All Faith Counseling Center.

In addition, the Nigro Brothers, with their persuasive auctioning talents, were able to convince the audience to provide an additional $15,000 for a raised garden and benches in the south patio of Dooley Center so that the residents can have the benefits to body and spirit of raising their own flowers and produce.

View photos of the event


NIGHT OF DREAMS DRAWING WINNERS
$15,000 cash: Bill & Barbara Vondras - Ellison Bay, Wisconsin

Handmade Quilt: Galen Pruett, Atchison, Kansas

Monastery Goods Gift Shop Shopping Spree: Ruth Morrow, Rushville, Missouri

Briarcliffe Village Shopping/Dining: Father Ken Criqui, Carrollton, Missouri

Celebrity Golf at the National: Scott Noyes, Blue Springs, Missouri