Annual luncheon benefits Oak Mountain Missions
In 2012, Roddy Cooper quietly looked at the figure the sixth annual Harvest of Hope Luncheon had raised. He gave a silent prayer of thanks and got in his car to go to the bank.
On his way, Cooper glanced at Inverness Plaza where Food World once stood and the roots of Oak Mountain Missions Ministries began.
Cooper began his operation through contacting grocers in the area. He knew that FDA-standards ruled food still considered “good” can’t be sold in stores after a certain period. Cooper would collect these foods and distribute them to, at first, animals then local charitable facilities and shelters like Safe House of Shelby County.
Today the Mission serves countless families in need in Shelby County out of its Pelham facility.
Oak Mountain Missions Ministries’ only fundraising event raises nearly a third of its budget at the annual Harvest of Hope Luncheon. This year marks their seventh event, to be held Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 11:30 a.m. in the Cahaba Grand Conference Center. No invitation is necessary, and all are welcome.
Oak Mountain Missions Ladies Auxiliary, led by Paula Campbell and Barbara Porter, organizes the luncheon each year.
The event will include a silent auction beginning at 10 a.m with everything from Christmas decorations to condos and sports equipment to vacations.
Keynote speaker Shelby County Sheriff Chris Curry will discuss the servant philosophy of Oak Mountain Missions.
“It’s quite an honor, and to be quite truthful with you when I was asked to do it, I felt assured there were many other people much more capable to deliver a much better speech. But Roddy wouldn’t take no for an answer,” Curry said.
Curry and Cooper have known each other through Christ Church United Methodist for many years. Curry said he has watched the program grow from its inception.
“I think the program, the service that Roddy and his group are doing, and the people they’re helping is astronomical,” Curry said. “If we had more help like this available, the world would be a better place.”
Janet Hall of Fox 6 News will be the mistress of ceremonies, and Reverend Al and Passion Lewis will provide musical entertainment. Also, a client from Safe House will speak on how Oak Mountain Missions Ministries affected her family’s lives.
Last year’s luncheon grossed $114,161.76, and Oak Mountain Missions Ministries netted $95,396.48.
Funds raised go entirely to the Mission’s clients. Oak Mountain Missions pays one bill a year for clients in need, purchases apartments and uses donated furniture to furnish those apartments.
“It’s huge for us,” Cooper said. “We do about $58,000 a year in bill assistance. We try to be good stewards with the money, and it goes back to the people that come to us for assistance.”
The Harvest of Hope is just that, and so much more, for Oak Mountain Missions
“It raises awareness that Oak Mountain Missions is there, in place and doing what it’s doing,” Curry said. “That serves two purposes. It tells people who are in need where they can go to get help, and it tells people who want to help where to direct it.”
For more contact Oak Mountain Missions Ministries at 685-5757 or email oakmtnmissions@yahoo.com.