Amy White had no idea that Community of Hope Ministries would thrive and far out-live its four years of federal funding when Garner First Baptist offered classroom space to the fledging program. The idea of expanding the after-school tutoring program to nine separate ministries was years in the future.
But 15 years after Community of Hope was formed to tutor at-risk children, it is celebrating its anniversary with two commemorative events _ a concert on Oct. 4 at the Garner Performing Arts Center and a gala on Oct. 11 at the Grand Marquis Ballroom.
Admission is $10 at the door for the concert. Advance tickets are needed for the gala and are $100.
COHM didn’t plan to blow its own trumpet on its anniversary but was asked by two different groups whether the ministry would be the recipient of the fund-raising events. The 15th anniversary made the tie-ins perfect.
“We are always amazed with how God has provided for us and has used us,” said White, the executive director of COHM.
The two anniversary events are designed to celebrate 15 years of service and to generate funding. All proceeds from both events will support COHM.
The Concert
The Celebration of Hope concert at 7:00pm on Oct. 4 at the Garner Performing Arts Center will feature vocalists Janette Godwin, Kathryn Godwin Wise and White. They will be accompanied by The Band of Hope and will perform Country, Broadway, Motown and Gospel songs. There are no advance tickets.
The same cast will perform another show on Sunday evening October 6 in Scott Concert Hall in the Taylor Bott Rogers Fine Arts Building at Campbell University. Proceeds go to S.A.F.E. of Harnett County, a non-profit that provides shelter and advocacy services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
“They have been doing the show in Harnett County in past years, but wanted to expand and support us as well,” White said.
The Gala
The birthday gala on Oct. 11 at The Grand Marquise Ballroom is being funded by another friend of COHM. The evening will include dinner, dancing and a silent auction.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the gala are available at communityofhopeministries.org.
COHM is the only survivor of the three start-up programs who received the initial federal grants to help elementary-aged children who were struggling academically. And COHM is thriving.
Watch the video above to learn more about Community of Hope Ministries.