Lutheran Social Services to honor former Arlington pastor
Lutheran Social Services of Illinois will present a longtime minister at an Arlington Heights church and a former head of the group with the Amicus Certus (“True Friend”) Award at the 30th Annual Amicus Certus Celebration Saturday, Nov. 12.
The Rev. Frederick Aigner, president emeritus of LSSI, was the senior pastor of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Arlington Heights from 1983-1997.
Aigner is being recognized for his commitment to actively serve others, his distinguished leadership of LSSI and his continuing benevolence, which exemplify the spirit of the award. He served as president/CEO of LSSI from 1997 until his retirement in 2009. Prior to that, he served on the LSSI board of directors from 1990 to 1996.
Founded in 1867, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois is a statewide, not-for-profit social service agency of the three Illinois synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It has offices in Des Plaines.
The annual event, hosted by The Women’s Network of LSSI and chaired by Teri Colmar of Northbrook, will be at the Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows. Orion Samuelson, WGN broadcaster and 1996 Amicus Certus honoree, will serve as the evening’s master of ceremonies.
The Amicus Certus Award is given annually to individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to the human community.
“Through very difficult times, Aigner always focused on providing continuity of care for the most vulnerable served by Lutheran Social Services of Illinois,” says the Rev. Denver Bitner, LSSI president. “His commitment to provide excellence of care with fiscal responsibility has become a hallmark of the service provided our agency. I am privileged to follow his leadership, which has provided a legacy of professional care reflecting the values of our Lutheran tradition.”
The evening will feature a “The Stars Are Out Tonight” theme, with the smooth sounds of The Jodi Beach Trio during dinner and the rockin’ T-Byrdz after dinner, featuring Craig Colmar on bass. Cocktails will be served at 6 p.m., with dinner following at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $175 per person. For information or to make reservations, contact Ed Newton at (847) 635-4656, or at Edward.Newton@LSSI.org. Reservations can also be made online at LSSI.org.