Stillwater Balloon

by Ann Jacobs
(Lakeland)

Our story... told through a lovely newspaperman...

If there is anything the Jacobs family of Lakeland MN understands, it's how to use what they have been given to help others.

This past summer, two of the family's oldest daughters – who had lived as foster children for many years, traveled to Haiti to work with Hope in the Light Ministries and begin construction of an orphanage. Now, watching images of destruction in Haiti on their television screen and staying in contact with missionaries in Haiti by e-mail, they are planning how to help from hundreds of miles away.

When asked about his greatest current need, Ralph Ware, the missionary contact with Hope in the Light, responded, “The need for this orphanage was always overwhelming; now it is truly desperate. Our prayer is to finish it as soon as we possibly can, but to do this, we will need to raise $50,000,”

The Jacobs have a heart for orphans and foster children.

“We are not wealthy people,” offers Steve Jacobs. “Our kids know better than to ask us for a $50 pair of shoes, but $50,000 for an orphanage… now that seems like a worthy endeavor.”

The family of 15 children, 10 of whom are adopted, first looked to their family business as a means of raising money to help the people of Haiti recover from the recent earthquakes. During the month of February, Steve and Ann Jacobs, owners of Stillwater Balloons, have offered free flight certificates to the first 100 people who make a $245 donation to Hope in the Light Ministries.

While this was a great start, more help was needed.
Minnesota restaurants have long been known for serving up some of the finest cuisine in the country. Now, the Twin Cities greater restaurant community is coming together to serve the desperate needs of the Haitian orphans. With a goal of raising $50,000, the “Dine and Fly for Haiti” program was developed to not only complete this orphanage but to provide critical support for food and medical aid.

Twin Cities Originals and The Minnesota Restaurant Association have accepted donations of $25 and $50 dining certificates from restaurants throughout the state. More than 50 restaurants are already involved (The Afton House Inn, Davanni’s, St Paul Grill, Murray’s, Lake Elmo Inn, Famous Dave’s, TGI Friday’s, and Outback Steakhouse just to name a few). More than 100 restaurants are expected to donate and over 400 certificates are currently available. “The generosity and response from the Minnesota restaurant community has been amazing,” said Dave Jarvis, vice president of Twin Cities Originals. “It’s amazing to see our restaurant industry come together and aid in the Haiti crisis. This is a great opportunity for the Twin Cities diners to experience some of the area’s best dining and to be a part of this most worthy cause.”

The public is invited to donate and receive these restaurant and ballooning certificates at the “Dine and Fly” fundraising web-site (www.dineandflyforhaiti.com). All donations will go directly to building the orphanage and to providing food and medical supplies through Hope in the Light Ministries. Hope in the Light is a small, community focused, Christian organization committed to providing shelter, education, medical aid, and hope to the people of Haiti.

It is almost Valentine’s Day,” says Ann Jacobs. “Spread the love around a bit. Offer the one you love an amazing gift and build, for the children of Haiti, a home. Offer them hope and a future.”

www.dineandflyforhaiti.com