The State Bar Association of North Dakota Fall 2013 Gavel Magazine | Page 33

Zuger and Dante Tomassoni, biking; Paul Forster and Rebecca Binstock, running, and Leslie Oliver and Jackie Stebbins, walking. They competed against 12 members on the other two teams. “The competition took place on a wonderfully crisp morning,” said Stebbins. “The idea behind Docs, Crocs and Frocks is really wonderful. It puts Some of this year’s team are shown here from left Leslie Bakken together healers, justice seekers and Oliver; Jackie Stebbins (and daughter Kennedy); Matthew Arthurs; people of faith with the common goal Jack Zuger and Dante Tomassoni. to raise money for a homeless transitional shelter in the Bismarck-Mandan Eight Bismarck lawyers again joined with area.” doctors and clergy in a friendly biking, running, walking and swimming competition Stebbins described participating in events to raise funds for a program that provides like this good for the professionals in her services for homeless families. community. “We must never forget that there is great need surrounding us. An event like The second annual Docs, Crocs and Frocks Docs, Crocs and Frocks is a fun way to m eet competition August 17 raised nearly $30,000 other professionals and use our contacts to for the Welcome House, which provides raise money for people who are need of food short-term housing and assists homeless and shelter. This was a very humbling event families obtain permanent housing. for me personally, and I hope to continue to This year’s team of lawyers were Matthew participate in the future,” she said. Arthurs and Justin Vinje, swimming; Jack The Gavel Fall 2013 DOCS, CROCS & FROCKS Treva Beard, board president of Welcome House, organized this year’s competition and said Docs, Crocs and Frocks was successful for many reasons. “It raised enough money to provide more than 275 families throughout the year with food, shelter and case management,” she said. “It also put a lot of people into the community to advocate for Welcome House. And, it brought in some very generous donations.” Welcome House director Brenda Kriedeman said the support from this competition is very welcome as the program is expanding. “We are acquiring a building in Mandan to house six to eight families. The demand for our services is growing every year, to the point that we have had to turn away more than 40 families in both of the past two months.” More information on Welcome House can be found at www.welcome-house.net. 31