Breakfast helps build dreams in northern Utah

Friday, Apr. 29, 2016

OGDEN — The Ogden Eccles Convention Center ballroom brimmed with charity on April 20 during the annual Dream Builder’s Breakfast, which benefits Catholic Community Services Northern Utah. 

“I’m stunned at the support that is given to Catholic Community Services,” said Brad Drake, CCS executive director.

At one of the first breakfasts six years ago, only 75 people attended, but this year there were almost 500, Drake said.

“I just think there’s been a lot more awareness of who we are,” said Maresha Bosgieter, CCS Northern Utah director of development and fundraising, adding that in addition to the increased attendance, the breakfast has seen a rise in sponsorships.

CCS Northern Utah’s Joyce Hansen Hall Food Bank is the largest food pantry in Utah. Last year, it distributed 3 million pounds of food to 74,961 clients, half of whom were children under the age of 18, Bosgieter said.

Many others who are served by the food bank are elderly, people with disabilities or those who have suffered a temporary setback such as the loss of a job, she said.

“Our services are here to support those struggling individuals in our community – our neighbors – when they need it most,” she said.

In addition, CCS Northern Utah provided 701 layettes to low-income mothers, and fed 19,047 elementary school students through the Bridging the Gap program, which provides two bags of meals and snacks for the weekend.

The clients also can take advantage of case management services provided by Debbie Nielsen, the programs coordinator, who was featured in a short video shown at the breakfast that told the story of a struggling young mother who was successful in finding housing and a job after going to CCS for help.

“Debbie picked me up and carried me through and was a support for me through the hardest time of my life,” the young mother said on the video.

Honored at the Dream Builder’s Breakfast were three long-time benefactors of CCS Northern Utah.

Marcie Valdez, who for almost six years was the organization’s director, received the Humanitarian Award.

“Marcie, your imprint and legacy on this community and particularly Catholic Community Services … will not be forgotten for the lives that you have saved and for the goodness that you have brought to this organization,” Drake said as he presented the award.

The Corporate Partner Award was given to the Kier Corporation, which for more than 20 years has donated retail space in the Marion Hotel for a food pantry that serves 86 low-income housing units and others who have difficulty getting to the Joyce Hansen Hall Food Bank. 

Jim and Norma Kier “struggled through many lean, lonely years in Ogden while raising five kids before becoming successful, so they never forgot how it feels to struggle or be without family,” said CCS Northern Utah Director Randy Chappell, who presented the award.

The Philanthropist Award was given to Susan Denkers.

“Through the Stephen & Susan Denkers Family Foundation and the Willard L. Eccles Charitable Foundation (her father), she has been a major benefactor of CCS of Northern Utah’s success.  She made significant contributions to the renovation of our building, and also provided major operating capital during our early years to keep us running. She has been involved with us since 1998, and has also supported our backpack program, Breakfast and Dinner over the years,” her nomination form read.

The two foundations offered a $25,000 matching grant for the Dream Builder’s Breakfast, Bosgieter said.

The keynote speaker for the event was Frank Layden, retired head coach for the Utah Jazz, who wondered aloud how children can go hungry “in our country, where we spend so much money on other, frivolous things.”

“We have to get into a position where we love each other enough that we’re willing to share,” he said. 

“Give,” Layden urged those at the breakfast. “It may hurt a little; maybe you’ll have to give something up, but you’ve got to give to others. I guarantee you it’s going to come back to you. … Give. Give. Say prayers to save yourself and save others, but give your money to help the children and help those people who cannot help themselves.”