After two years of virtual events, nearly 240 friends of LSSI gathered in person on Sat., Oct. 29 for the 41st Annual True Friend Celebration honoring Bill Fleck, 97, a former Cornerstone Foundation Trustee who has been giving to LSSI since he was 8 years old.

“Bill and his late wife Jean were passionate about LSSI,” said LSSI President and CEO Mark Stutrud in presenting Fleck with the award. “He never misses an opportunity to support LSSI.”

Fleck said he shares the award with Jean. “We got involved early in what LSSI was doing and it touched our hearts,” he said. “I’ve never been a rich man, but there are ways you can use your God-given talents to help LSSI.”

Dr. Evisha Ford, LCSW, a former LSSI foster parent and the founder of iCan Dream Center in Tinley Park, gave the keynote address. Dr. Ford shared her experiences fostering three children through LSSI, two of whom she adopted.

“Foster care parenting is so important,” she said. “I’d like to think I provided a bridge over troubled waters for children and families.”

The event raised nearly $200,000, benefitting children and families served by LSSI programs, including counseling and mental health services, foster care, intact family services, adoption preservation, and prevention services.

To see photos and videos from the event, visit LSSI.org/truefriend.