What do acres and acres of peaceful, Canadian maple forests and the Christian charitable organization known as BethanyKids have in common? Longtime BethanyKids supporters, Bob and Kendra Kallonen of Ontario, Canada have a pretty good idea. The couple recently hosted their annual fundraising dinner and it was the best one yet. The event took place at their maple tree farm in Puslinch and featured foods prepared with the Kallonen’s award-winning maple syrup. Now that was a treat. This event is a real family affair. “This our 4th annual event,” says Kendra. “Our whole family is involved because that’s what you do. You have to do maple syrup every year and you have to do Bethany Kids.” More importantly, the event raised $30,000 (and still counting) for BethanyKids. The Kallonens couldn’t be more pleased at the turnout and response. “We are passionate about serving in general,” says Kendra. “But our faith has to have a practical aspect. We can give money easily but it’s a lot more work to share God’s work with others.” The Kallonen Maple Farm was an ideal setting for the event. Guests mingled on the lawn and strolled down past through the maple trees. Dinner was a wonderful, 4 course meal – all pre-prepared by Kendra and her army of volunteers. Dinner was followed by a brief presentation by Gary Dowd, Executive Director of BethanyKids. A new, just-released video highlighting the surgical work and ministry of BethanyKids in Kenya was also shown. “I support BethanyKids because I know that every dollar I give is going to be used as effectively and efficiently as possible,” said one guest. Bob Kallonen has not only been a BethanyKids supporter for 4 years, he is also a member of our Canadian Board. The Kallonen family hosts the benefit dinner every third Thursday in August and plans to continue the annual event for as long as possible.
submitted by Gary Dowd and Alison Nugent
