Making hope the mission
Harvest of Hope Luncheon
Sept. 16 • 11:30 a.m.
Silent auction begins at 10 a.m.
Cahaba Grand Conference Center
ABC 33/40’s chief meteorologist, James Spann, will be the master of ceremonies along with Fox 6 news anchor Janet Hall as the keynote speaker. Reverend Al and Passion Lewis will provide musical entertainment.
Luncheon raises funds for the needy
Hope can be found in something as simple as a zebra print comforter and a pair of blue jeans.
About 5,000 families have found hope and a fresh start with Oak Mountain Missions Ministries Inc., an organization that works to “love those that feel they are not loved and share with the needy.”
Monthly supplies of food and toiletries, clothes for all ages and sizes, and donated items from cooking utensils to furniture are all available free of charge for needy families at the Oak Mountain Missions office in Pelham.
These supplies are made possible by the mission’s only fundraiser of the year, the Harvest of Hope Luncheon, which raises about a third of Oak Mountain Missions Ministries’ annual budget.
“What we are able to give to [the needy] comes from this luncheon,” said Paula Campbell, chairman of the Harvest of Hope Luncheon. “We are so thankful to the ones who can attend, or if they can’t attend they make donations.”
To compensate during a time when donation amounts are decreasing, Oak Mountain Missions uses its own funding to make sure the pantry is stocked and the needs of the center are met. Those funds also provide the payment for utility bills or rent if assistance is necessary.
About 600 people attended last year’s luncheon, and Campbell said she looks forward to seeing how they do this year. Guests are invited to host a table and either make a donation above the amount of the meal or encourage their guests to do the same.
This year the luncheon will be Sept. 16 at 11:30 a.m. at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center. The doors open for the silent auction items at 10 a.m.
For more information, contact Dianne Cesario at 685-5757 or oakmtnmissions@yahoo.com.
How it works
When a family in need is recommended by one of the mission’s support churches, the family is allowed to take advantage of the donations made to the mission. The approved families are given a checklist of items such as clothing that they can choose for each family member.
Items like food are available monthly for those in need, whereas bigger items such as lamps and armchairs are given on a need basis.