22nd annual Harvest of Talents for World Hunger         

Hot sweet rolls, unique handcrafts, historic tours

[OCT. 6, 2005]  The public is invited to attend the 22nd annual Harvest of Talents for World Hunger, presented at Lincoln Christian Church, 204 N. McLean St., on Oct. 22. The Harvest of Talents is a fundraiser that channels all of its proceeds to International Disaster Emergency Relief, a Kempton, Ind.,-based Christian organization that funds hunger programs worldwide. In its 21-year history, Harvest of Talents has raised over $1 million, every penny of which has gone to help hunger needs in the world.

This year's Harvest of Talents is offering many of its normal events and activities, as well as new events. The day begins at 7 a.m. with a breakfast consisting of warm, homemade pecan and cinnamon rolls, juice, and coffee. At 8 a.m., there is a 5K run-walk, co-sponsored by the Harvest of Talents and the Lincoln Area YMCA. To register for this event, please call the YMCA at [phone] or [phone]. From 9-11 a.m., there will be special activities for kindergarten through fourth-graders and for fifth- and sixth-graders. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., lunch will be offered, consisting of hot vegetable soup, barbecue sandwiches and generous slices of homemade pie.

Throughout the morning, there will also be many handmade items for sale. Some of the specialty shops are Cottage Collectibles, Yesteryear's Kitchen, Gifts From Around the World, Bracelets and Accessories, and Floral Fantasy. New this year is Critters in My Garden. The public is encouraged not to miss the silent auction and prayer labyrinth as well.

Also new this year is the offering of historic Lincoln tours in the morning, sponsored by All Things Lincoln. All tours will begin at the All Things Lincoln booth, located in the facilities at Lincoln Christian Church. The mini-bus tours will take tourists to sites such as the Postville Courthouse, Lincoln Museum at Lincoln College, the site of the christening of the city of Lincoln and other historical landmarks. Guided walking tours will also be offered for those who want to explore downtown Lincoln historic sites. A freewill offering will be received for the tours. For more information regarding the tours, contact the Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of Logan County at [phone].

The annual Harvest of Talents auction at 2 p.m. highlights the day's events and features many one-of-a-kind items and handcrafted treasures. The 100 listings feature items such as furniture, an original design stained-glass lamp, quilts, counted cross-stitch pieces, wall hangings and unique offerings from Third World countries.

Fresh South Dakota potatoes in 50-pound bags will arrive in Lincoln on Oct. 12 for sale. Potatoes can be picked up at the church between Oct. 12 and 22. Not only can you buy the potatoes for personal use, but bags can also be donated to one of several different charities in the area, including the Lincoln Logan County Food Pantry.

The Harvest of Talents is proud to offer the event in new facilities this year. There is plenty of free parking and it is handicapped-accessible. There is a large dining area outside, as well as an outdoor tent offering many snack items.

For more information concerning the Harvest of Talents, please call [phone] or e-mail [e-mail].

[News release]

---