Silver Lake Award Celebration To Honor Two Long-Time Deans

The Silver Lake Conference Center Board of Directors have named this year's Silver Lake Award honorees: Rev. Susie and Brad Craig, who have spent decades as deans at summer conferences at Silver Lake and at the Hammer and a Nail  mission trip conference in Maine.

The award will be presented at The Silver Lake Award Celebration, Saturday Oct. 5, 6-9 PM at Brewport in Bridgeport.  This year's celebration has a new location and new price - tickets are available now.

The Silver Lake Award recognizes members of the Silver Lake community who live their lives and faith in a way that reflects the formative experiences they have had at Silver Lake Conference Center, and who truly take Silver Lake home with them beyond Low Road.

 

"While basically still at a point of disbelief over being chosen to receive this year’s Silver Lake Award, we would like to thank you," said Rev. Susie Craig. " We have loved being part of Silver Lake beginning in 1987...  Our experiences with counseling and deaning for summer conferences and working on the Outdoor Ministries Committee were wonderful opportunities. The spirit of Silver Lake has always been special to us as a family."   

Brad Craig adds,  "About 27 years ago, Alden Tyrol asked if we would consider taking a group to H.O.M.E. Coop in Orland, Maine to participate in a work trip, which became the Hammer and a Nail Conference, which has been an important part of our lives ever since. Together with our advisors and young people, we have helped our neighbors in need and have learned a great deal from them along the way. ”

The Craigs were lifted up for the award by Silver Lake alumni and friends, in open nominations earlier this year.

In addition to being shaped by Silver Lake, the Silver Lake Award recipients haves given back time, treasure, and talent to Silver Lake, and have made a significant and sustainable contribution to the ministry of Silver Lake.  Previous award winners include Ruth Tyrol and Davida Foy Crabtree.

The Silver Lake Award Celebration will honor the Craigs AND raise money for Silver Lake. There will be a silent auction featuring unique items from Silver Lake, items crafted by Silver Lakers and others, a 50/50 raffle, and an opportunity to make a donation to the Silver Lake Scholarship Fund. If you would like to donate an item to the silent auction, please email us at slccaward@gmail.com.

Executive Director, Rev. Ryan Gackenheimer, looks forward to this special event. "We have the chance to say 'thank you' to folks who have given so much to make Silver Lake a place where campers can have life changing experiences while they have fun, make new friends, and be themselves. The award celebration is also a big fundraiser for Silver Lake and one of the important ways we keep this ministry so amazing for campers and retreat guests.  I hope a huge crowd is able to gather to say 'thank you' to Brad and Susie and folks who can’t come are able to support from afar."

You're invited to The Silver Lake Award Celebration, honoring Susie & Brad Craig! Saturday October 5, 6-9pm at Brewport, 225 South Frontage Rd., Bridgeport, CT. Tickets are $50. A pizza and salad buffet is included. Advance registration only: please register here.