CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's World Hunger Appeal raised $11.7 million, reaching 99.8 percent of it's goal for 1997. "We fell $405,596 short of our goal," said the Rev. Roger O. Livdahl, director of the appeal.
"It is disappointing news that we've received less than last year," said the Rev. John L. Halvorson, ELCA director for world hunger ministries. "The good news is that we're able to meet all of our commitments to international and domestic partners," he said.
"Another piece of good news is a contribution from Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has increased. The women's organization allocated $150,000 but gave $231,381," said Halvorson.
Bequest contributions totaled $521,298, an increase of $70,000. Endowment contributions increased by $6,500, totaling $126,500.
"Giving from ELCA synods was down, which is significant since about 85 percent of the appeal's income is received from there," said Halvorson. ELCA synod contributions totaled $9,204,291, which is $375,709 less than budgeted. Giving from individuals and congregations also fell short of its $1,900,000 goal by $189,066.
"The success of the appeal is based largely on the premise that the appeal belongs to the ELCA's congregations and synods," Halvorson said. "We are working closer with ELCA synod bishops and we think that is making a difference. We also plan to do some detective work to determine why the appeal's budget total came up short again this year," he said.
"We feared, early on, that we would not reach the full $12.2 million," said Livdahl. "A reserve balance of $1,063,060 was set up to help make all our commitments to agencies and programs. We will begin 1998 with a reserve balance of $955,111," he said.
For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
