It was a gut instinct that Mark and Jackie Bourassa went with in 1997 when they adopted their first of three children from the Philippines. And since then, they have maintained a strong connection with the islands and its peoples. Now, their family feels called to do something to help with the on-going relief from the Nov. 7 typhoon.

“Our family watched with much interest as the typhoon approached the islands and during the recovery weeks that have followed,” said Mark. “We saw the outpouring of support from lots of people. Last week we sat as a family and talked about what we were going to do.”

The Bourassa family and friends will host a spaghetti dinner from 4:30 -6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, at the Bluffton Middle School Cafetorium. The meal, prepared by caterer, Rosanne Garmatter, will include spaghetti, salad and a breadstick for eat-in or carry-out. Cash donations will be accepted and all of the contributions will go to Samaritan’s Purse for disaster relief in the Philippines.

The Bourassa family includes three children, Jonah, 17; Eli, 15 and Elizabeth, 11. The family has a strong connection with the Children’s Shelter for Cebu, an orphanage which is run by missionaries from Minnesota.

For more information, contact Mark or Jackie Bourassa at (419) 358-1776.