Hearts of Hope benefits recovery program

The Foundry Ministries, a Christian nonprofit based in Bessemer, will raise funds to help women in its residential recovery program who are fighting drug or alcohol addiction when it hosts its 10th annual Hearts of Hope luncheon at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center on Wednesday, Feb. 10, at 10:30 a.m.

Local TV news anchor Sherri Jackson will serve as emcee, and the keynote speaker will be Barbara Dooley — author, speaker, media personality, cancer survivor and the wife of legendary college football coach Vince Dooley.

Dooley is “funny and charismatic,” said Doug White, The Foundry’s director of development. “She shares interesting stories that she ties back into her faith.”

The event also features testimony from women in the recovery program or women who have graduated, according to White. “You get a first-hand glimpse of the process at The Foundry that gets (the women) to where they are today,” he said. “The whole purpose is to raise awareness and support for the program.”

Before the luncheon, Hearts of Hope attendees can shop at the Marketplace, which features clothing, accessories and décor donated by merchants or created by local artists.

The Foundry seeks to raise $125,000 at its 2016 event, through sponsorships of tables and other donations solicited from event attendees.

“You can sponsor a table, or you can host a table and invite eight other people, or — if you just want to attend — you can buy a ticket for $250,” White said.

At The Foundry, women work to eliminate drug and alcohol dependency, regain self-esteem, develop essential life and employment skills, restore family relationships and build stable futures.

The doors open for the Marketplace at 10:30 a.m., with lunch served at noon.

For more information, including sponsorship opportunities or tickets, contact Doug White, director of development, at 432-0485 or dwhite@thefoundryonline.org.

For more information about The Foundry Ministries, call 424-4673 or go to foundryministries.com.