Men’s Challenge of the Smokies celebrated its 10-year anniversary on Monday, March 31, by hosting a Decade of Hope Gala. The event began with a catered meal followed by a fun time of auctioning off various items, including a chocolate layer cake for a final bid of $1,000.
The men sang inspirational songs, followed by a time of history and heritage given by Founding Director Mike Barres. Rick Shays, one of the first graduates of Men’s Challenge of the Smokies, offered encouraging words regarding how his time in the program enabled him to become the man he was created to be.
I shared with the audience the vision to grow the program in the future by launching weekly outreach efforts in all of the jails in the eight counties of Western North Carolina. The highlight of the night was the story of hope from Oscar Mercer, who found freedom from more than 30 years of addiction when he entered and completed the program.
We are grateful to every church, business, or individual who supported the Hope Gala as a sponsor, underwriter, or volunteer. Plans are to host the Hope Gala in the future as an annual event, which will take place in late March or early April each year.
We thank all involved for their care and support for Men’s Challenge of the Smokies. For donations, visit. https://mtcots.com/donate; or, mail a check to: Teen Challenge of the Smokies Men’s Center, PO Box 2157, Franklin, N.C. 28734.
Pictured top: Men from Men’s Challenge recently volunteered to the help the Franklin NC Garden Club with beautification efforts at the clock tower.