The Bash at 39

December 1, 2025 //

For nearly four decades, “The Bash” has been part of St. Stephen’s identity – an expression of our commitment to serving neighbors near and far. What began in the mid-1980s as the Johnny Appleseed Bash, a carnival-style gathering in the park, became a beloved fall tradition. As life changed and schedules shifted, so did the event. The Bash gradually evolved into the now-familiar Bash After Dark, an evening celebration for adults that has been held for over 15 years.

Through the decades, one thing never changed. The heart of The Bash has always been our community coming together to help others.

A New Chapter: Growing the Bash Family

In 2024, our Outreach Committee took a bold step. Recognizing the need to offer opportunities for more parishioners of all ages to get involved, they expanded The Bash from a single evening to a group of distinct events across a season: the Fall Family Bash, Bash After Dark, Bash Auction, and Bash Bazaar.

Now, two years into this expanded format, one thing is clear: the parish has embraced the change with enthusiasm and generosity.

“Our goal was to build awareness and involvement in the parish for outreach and to bring the broad community together along the way,” shares Outreach Committee co-chair Leslie Nelson. “Adding the Family Bash and the Bash Bazaar has helped accomplish that. These events may not be our largest fundraisers, but they bring energy, connection, and a sense of shared purpose.”

Her co-chair, Carol Hedberg, agrees: “Asking for help this year, I was overwhelmed by how quickly people said yes. People were eager to step up, and it showed.”

The Community Shows Up

One of the most encouraging trends has been seeing new parishioners attending events and stepping forward in significant ways.

Leslie notes, “It’s been wonderful to watch people jump in – even those who had never attended a Bash After Dark before (including this year’s Bash After Dark Chairs, Joanna and Sofia Stacke!). Volunteers often tell us they enjoy the events just as much as those attending!”

The Family Bash’s unexpected move indoors this fall turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Parents appreciated the safer, more contained environment, and the decorated rooms, nearby food service, and open spaces created an energetic carnival feel. Attendance grew this year, and enthusiasm is already building for next year.

The Bash Bazaar has grown as well. It’s become a lively Sunday-morning event that showcases the once hidden creativity and talent in our parish and many folks have loved supporting outreach through shopping. “People comment every time about how fun it is,” Carol recalls.

Kindness and generosity were evident with all the events – from teens helping at the Bash After Dark to the donations received from all ages across the parish. As Carol puts it, “I swear the people of St. Stephen’s dig deeper when called to. Even with economic uncertainty and our capital campaign underway, people gave of themselves without holding back.”

Behind the Scenes: Countless Hands, One Mission

Every Bash event this year was supported by the tireless dedication of our Outreach Committee – Leslie Nelson, Carol Hedberg, Mary Estlick, Julie Huck, Susan Johnson, Veronica Knudsen, Sarah Sullivan, and Amber Tyrell. They led events, recruited volunteers, secured donations, cooked and served food, hauled décor, designed themes, led games, staffed tables, and followed up with heartfelt thank-you notes.

We are especially grateful for their remarkable leadership and creativity and for their willingness to take on big tasks and try new ideas coming from new parishioner volunteers. Their efforts not only strengthened our fundraising but deepened the sense of connection across our community.

“It takes all of us,” Leslie reflects. “We’re grateful to for every hour volunteered, every item donated, every ticket sold, and every dollar given. The Bash works because the community believes in our outreach partners and wants to make a difference.”

Looking Ahead

As we look to celebrate the 40th year of the Bash in 2026, The Outreach Committee is already dreaming about what might come next – adjusting event timing, adding new games, or exploring fresh ideas like a future golf event. They also continue to listen for ideas from families, younger adults, and longtime parishioners alike – so feel free to share yours!

The mission remains constant: supporting organizations that serve youth, seniors, the hungry, and those experience housing instability.

“We are so grateful for the generosity of this parish,” says Carol. “I feel so blessed to be part of this work.”
Leslie adds, “It’s an honor to represent this community and to steward the dollars raised for our outreach grants. We couldn’t do it without you.”

The Big News: Your Generosity Made This Possible

Thanks to your participation – attending events, volunteering, donating, cooking, decorating, bidding, buying, and cheering us on – The 2025 Bash events and donations raised over $65,000 for outreach.