Board of Directors
Linda Luberger, Chairperson
Linda Luberger has lived in Alaska since she was five years old, has been a resident of Wasilla since 1998 and would not live anywhere else. Over the years Linda has been involved with several non-profit organizations around the state but fell in love with the Christmas Friendship Dinner in 2009 after being asked to donate a turkey, ham and some homemade pies.
Then in 2019 after working in the kitchen as a volunteer for 10 years, she was asked to serve on the Board of the Christmas Friendship Dinner where she continues to serve today. It is such a worthwhile endeavor to share a Christmas meal with her friends and neighbors throughout the Valley. The volunteers are the greatest and we have so much fun decorating and cooking a feast every Christmas Day. Come and join the fun!
Thomas “John” Nelson, Vice Chairperson
My name is Thomas “John” Nelson, my friends call me “John”. I was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, a product of the ’64 earthquake.
My wife, Dawn, and I, have been self-employed most of our adult lives. We have owned and operated numerous businesses, raised our 3 children in Chugiak for over 30 years before becoming empty nesters and relocating to Wasilla, Alaska.
By trade, I am a Financial Advisor and have been in the financial services industry for over 20 years. In addition to my career as a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones, my wife and I also own All About Herbs in Wasilla, a nutritional supplement and wellness center that my wife runs full time. She has a dedicated staff that is highly knowledgeable and skilled in helping people get well, naturally.
In my spare time, I spend time with my grandchildren, I love gardening, fishing, and have a recreational gold claim. I am also a beekeeper and practice sustainable beekeeping by wintering over my bees. I have a blue belt in both Hapkido & Tae Kwon Do. In 2018 and again in 2020, I ran for U.S. House of Representatives (Congress). I Founded Liberty First Alaska, an organization that is focused on educating and promoting on the Roots of Liberty and the Constitution.
I have a servant’s heart with a passion for helping others. I am dedicated to giving back to our community through service above self. I have been affiliated with numerous non-profit organizations, such as, Rotary, Lions Club, Mat-Su Food Bank, School Booster Clubs, Sons of the American Revolution, and the NRA. I presently sit on the board of the Christmas Friendship Dinner, where we feed several thousand people on Christmas Day in Wasilla.
Tia Belt, Acting Secretary
Tia Belt worked many years as an officer in the California Dept. of Corrections and returned to Alaska to retire and start her second leg of life.
Tia loves Jesus, cooking, and gardening. She also cans cases of meat, fish, and veggies every year.
She likes to be busy so she serves on the Christmas Friendship Dinner Inc Board of Directors.
Judith Barve, Treasurer
Judith Ann Barve is a lifelong Alaskan, born in Alaska and raised in the Mat-Su Borough. In addition to being Treasurer of the Christmas Friendship Dinner, she is currently the President of the Board for Wasilla-Knik Historical Society.
Working with Twisted Nature Therapy, she is a Nutritionist, physical therapist and Life Coach with many various different fields of study. With Neurology being the first building block and Herbalist, Botanist, Acupressure and EFT close in line.
You might also know Judi from L&B Color Printing, where she has worked as a Graphic Artist, Camera technician, Accountant, and Assistant Manager since her parents opened the doors in 1978.
Elizabeth Dennis, B.ed, Member
Proud parent of a US Navy member and first responder. My background is working in public education, administration and tourism.
Currently employed with the Department of Health in Wasilla. I grew up in Anchorage and moved to the Mat-Su Valley over 30 years ago.
I truly love helping our community. My hope is that those that attend Christmas Friendship Dinner will have lifted spirits and full bellies.
Joshua Hanson, Member
I was drawn to the Christmas Friendship Dinner at a time when I was at a low point in my life and the unwavering faith in Jesus Christ of the people involved at that time really left an impression on me.
Because of their witness to me I wanted to be a part of their ministry to our neighbors around the Mat-Su Valley. Since then, I have spent a majority of my time with the Christmas Friendship Dinner organizing the meal delivery part of the Christmas Friendship Dinner.
Hope to see you Christmas Day!
Georgie Hollander, Member
My name is Georgie Hollander. I have been involved with the Christmas Friendship Dinner for several years.
The word friendship is, almost, the most important part of the day. My husband and I have paddled our raft down most of the Yukon River and we also like to dance.
I also work with a team to make about 300 gift bags each year. I feel privileged to be able to take part in this event. Always want to be there on Christmas Day.
Tina Goodman, Member
Hello! My name is Tina Goodwin. My family and I have lived in Alaska for 14 years. We absolutely love it here! I am a stay at home wife, mother of four and grandma to one. Most of my days are filled with baby snuggles and playtime as I take care of my granddaughter while my son works.
Crafting, cooking, hiking, camping and hunting are some of my hobbies. Really, anything that I can do with my family. We also love to do service. We volunteer at our church, the Mat-Su Animal Shelter, and the Christmas Friendship Dinner mainly, but also help out in other areas around the community when we can.
Our first year volunteering for the Christmas Friendship Dinner was 2009. We had so much fun that we’ve volunteered almost every year since. As my kids got older and started moving out, I wanted to get more involved. I started going to the weekly volunteer meetings and this year (2023) was voted in as a Board member. My position for 2023 is Volunteer Coordinator. I am looking forward to meeting lots of new people and making new friends!
Bob and Judy Bowers, Founders/Advisors
We are Bob and Judy Bowers. In 1991 we, along with our family and a few community members, started serving Christmas Dinner at the Wasilla Senior Center.
Our goal was to provide food and fellowship to anyone, for any reason. Our heart was and always has been to be servants of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the lost, the lonely, the hungry and broken.