“Ordinary person caught up in extraordinary circumstances”

Re-calling her journey of faith and courage in which she helped evacuate hundreds of orphans from war-torn Vietnam in 1975, LeAnn Thieman captivated an audience of almost 200 at the recent Catholic Diocese of Pueblo Foundation gala-dinner held this past October 5, 2007 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary parish hall. 

Co-author of seven Chicken Soup for the Soul books Thieman spoke of  incredible courage spiced with humor in her own personal journey through what was both an amazing time for the country and her own life. Her journey began as she sought to adopt an orphan from war-torn Vietnam.  Her original visit was intended to bring home six orphans; including a new baby boy for her own family. Due to circumstances beyond her control that 10 day trip to Vietnam turned into a Baby-Lift involving over 300 “bawling, crying, pooping, babies”, strapped into cardboard boxes on the last plane to leave Saigon before the Viet-Cong captured the city.  In the story of her harrowing adventure, which is chronicled in her book, “This Must be My Brother” she says she was simply an “ordinary person caught up in extraordinary circumstances.” 

Thieman’s story was then written about in Chicken Soup for the Mother’s Soul.”

This led her to becoming a co-author for several other Chicken Soup for the Soul books.  She is currently working on the final drafts of “Chicken Soup for the Catholic Soul” and “Chicken Soup for the Adopted Soul.”  Although her journey took place in a time when many in the audience had no recollection of the Vietnam War, her charisma and powerful message riveted the audience till the very end of her talk, ending in a well earned standing ovation. 

Presenting Sponsor for this year’s dinner was, St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction. St. Mary’s CEO, Robert Ladenburger had the honor or introducing Ms. Thieman for her presentation. This year’s Dinner Sponsor was family owned Enstrom’s Candies in Grand Junction. Social Hour Sponsor was Callahan-Edfast Mortuary, and St. Kathryn’s & Confre Cellars in Palisade provided all the wines for social hour and the tables. 

Throughout the evening, keys for the Pot O'Gold fund-raiser were sold. The purchasers lined up to try their luck at opening the container worth $300. Many tried, and one won. Sister Annunciata Chacha had the winning key.

The Catholic Diocese of Pueblo Foundation has Board membership from all geographic areas of the Diocese.  Instrumental in helping to put together this year’s event in Grand Junction were locals, Ann Brach, Sheila Zipse, Tony Prinster and Jack Duray.  Longtime Board Member, Stella Shanks, who is retiring after 7 years as a Board member received special recognition during the evening. The dinner brought in over $26,000. After expenses all funds will be used to funds grants and awards. 

The Foundation’s mission is to encourage spiritual and material growth by providing financial assistance for needs that exceed parish or diocesan resources.  $217,846 in grants were awarded this past June 2007. Western Slope grants included; $4,000 for the Hispanic Affairs Project in Montrose, $9,000 to Immaculate Heart of Mary in Pagosa Springs, $2,500 to St. Columba in Durango.  $130,453 went to pay for the education and formation and seminarians studying for the priesthood, who will eventually serve in many areas of the Western Slope and general Pueblo Diocese. 

If you missed Ms. Thieman in Grand Junction, Bishop Tafoya has invited her to speak at the upcoming Foundation dinner in Pueblo at the Fine Arts Center scheduled for June 20^th, 2008.