Lowndes Associated Ministries to People, Inc. held its annual Changing Lives Campaign Fundraiser Dinner with keynote speaker, Randall Godfrey on March 2nd at Valdosta State University.  The annual campaign dinner is one of LAMP’s largest fundraisers and this year, the organization added entertainment from the Valdosta High School chorus under the leadership and guidance of Taurence Phillips. 

Local radio host, Scott James was the Master of Ceremony and New Life Ministries Pastor, James Bernard Braswell led the invocation after LAMP Shelter Director, Feleica Harrington gave a warm welcome.   Leading up to Godrey’s message, an emotional testimony from LAMP’s driver, Tyrese Sherman, a former client of LAMP’s New Horizon Shelter, left the crowd speechless.  Development Director, Sharah Denton surprised one of LAMP’s long time donors, Mr. Terry Hunt of Hunt Industries with the Spirit of Giving award for his years of support to the organization.   

LAMP Board President Courtney Gooding spoke of the organizations successes during the past year and presented former Board President, Tina Folsom, with an award for her leadership.   Gooding also surprised former board member and longtime volunteer and supporter of LAMP, Park Avenue United Methodist Church, Jamie Bone with the Light Award for her years of volunteerism, support and passion for the homeless community and for LAMP.  Corporate donors also received an autographed football from Godfrey and had the opportunity to participate in the silent auction prior to the event.   Matt McMurray, who is an advocate for bettering the opportunities for the community’s homeless population spoke about what the bible says about helping others in their time of need.

Godfrey provided a heartfelt speech about serving others and the importance of when receiving blessings and sharing those gifts and blessings to others.  LAMP sends a special thank you to Mr. Godfrey, Scott James, table hosts and corporate sponsors such as Coleman Tally, LLP, Pepsi, Publix Charities, Orson and Carroll Woodall, Jim Bone, Park Avenue United Methodist Church, Georgia Power Foundation, Ferrell Scruggs Foundation, First Federal Savings of Valdosta, Harley Langdale Jr. Foundation, Coldwell Banker, Dr. and Mrs. Ron Allen, Angie Crawford Statefarm Insurance, City of Valdosta, Lowndes County Boar of Commissioners, Dame Walker and Hughes, Thompson and Courtney Gooding, Brett and Traycee Martin, Northside Animal Hospital, Rev. Bob and Betty Moon, South Georgia Medical Associates, South Georgia Association of Nurse Practictioners, First State Bank, Renasant Bank, South Central District of the South Georgia Conference of United Methodist, Hunt Industries and Lela’s House, Inc.