Bethany Krepela

Many ALDE chapters hold fun events each year, but one in particular has started a tradition unlike any other.

On Friday, June 22, more than 20 Big East Chapter members, colleagues, and friends set sail on the Hudson River out of Manhattan aboard the Liquid Gold for an afternoon of sightseeing, fellowship, and fun.

This is the third year the social and network building event has occurred, with roots stemming from the friendship of 20-year ALDE member Pastor Gary Grindeland and his parishioner and best friend, “Captain Ken” Poesl.

One first-time attendee was ALDE Executive Director Phyllis Castens Wiederhoeft. As she is set to retire in 2019, this was her last chance to attend the event in this role. She felt it was important for her to show her support of the grassroots efforts chapters extend to connect their members and provide opportunities for networking within their regions.

“Guests appreciated the hospitality that ALDE members showed, and it was great to create an awareness of ALDE through the novelty of a boat cruise,” Phyllis said.

Captain Ken’s company, Ken’s Marine Services, was honored as one of the first to participate in the rescue of passengers and crew of US Airways Flight 1549 in 2009, the “Miracle on the Hudson.” They also helped evacuate people from Manhattan after the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center.

According to Gary, Captain Ken “wants people to be at their best in helping to raise resources for ministry … making sure that those on the front lines of providing this kind of care to an agency or ministry are well-rested and fully thanked for their hard work and often underappreciated efforts.”

Bethany Krepela is a Major Gifts Officer with Fraser, Minnesota’s largest provider of autism and early childhood mental health services. She also serves on the ALDE Board of Directors.

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