F.A.M.I.N.E. Banquet 2010
Operation HOPE holds an annual F.A.M.I.N.E. banquet and silent auction to raise money to send food and supplies to poverty stricken countries. This year’s banquet raised money for the orphaned children living in extreme poverty in Haiti.
All proceeds raised by the F.A.M.I.N.E. banquet go directly to Operation HOPE for food and supplies. These are then hand delivered, prepared and served by the volunteers of Operation HOPE.
Team Hope and Haitians on the Haiti Mission Trip in May 2010
This year's banquet was held on September 23rd at the Merket Center on Texas Tech Campus.
Sandi Turner, Executive Director of Operation HOPE and coordinator of F.A.M.I.N.E. banquet, opened the banquet.
Founder Dr. John Thomas addressed the attendants of the evening.
Stephanie Berzinski acted as emcee for the evening's banquet.
Pastor TL Garrett gave the invocation.
Gary Light shared his story as a volunteer on the May Haiti mission trip.
David Fish spoke on behalf of Breedlove Foods. Breedlove and Operation HOPE partner to bring food to poverty stricken countries.
Judge Sam Medina, right, read a letter from President George W. Bush sent to Operation HOPE on behalf of our mission work to Haiti.
Steve Grant, Texas Tech Football Head Team Chaplain gave his testimony as both a former NFL player and a christian.
During dinner and dessert, guests of F.A.M.I.N.E. 2010 were entertained by a talented group of musicians.
Beef and chicken with a variety for dessert was prepared at this year's event.
Manny Rodriguez plays the saxophone, keyboard and flute at many Operation HOPE fundraisers.
Hannah Jackson, left, sings with band Scrapyard Lullaby. Jackson writes her own songs and is featured in many Operation HOPE fundraisers.
The silent auction featured items such as a Texas Tech Football signed by Coach Tommy Tuberville; an NFL football signed by Indianapolis Colts players; Colts football tickets; Children's gift basket; Catered meal for 20 by Cast Iron Grill and Catering; Jump N Jungle $100 Gift Certificate; and many more.
A Star of Hope award is given to selected people each year for their service and commitment to Operation HOPE
Dr. Thomas and Sandi recognize this year's Stars of HOPE.
Dr. Thomas expressed a personal, and humorous, story for each person or group.
Reed and Leta Loflin
UMC - Accepted by Greg Bruce
In memory of Clifford and Dee Iva Hamilton - Accepted by their daughter Sherry Proctor
Accolade Home Health and Health Care - Accepted by Robin & Heather
Bouma Family
F.A.M.I.N.E. Banquet 2010's keynote speaker was Dr. Kerry Reeves. Dr. Reeves and his wife Joy live in Haiti as non-mission board missionaries with their 2 biological children and 2 adopted children from the States. We met Dr. Reeves on the Haiti mission trip in May. Operation HOPE now partners with Dr. Reeves for food and medical supply relief. To see a recent interview with Dr. Reeves, click here.
Dr. Reeves and his wife Joy
Dr. Reeves vividly expresses his story...
... of the adoption of two foster children before God called him move to Haiti with his family;
... of how he and his wife have taken in four Haitian children who were abandoned by their parents;
... of the people he helped or spoke to while dying in the fatal earthquake of January 2010;
... and how God changed him and his perspective of life through his experience in Haiti.
Dr. Reeves uses his piece of cake to illustrate God's perfect plan for His Children.
"When God told me to leave behind all my possessions that I worked so hard for and move to Haiti, I thought He was making me give up my piece of cake (the material American dream). But now I see it's His cake and He wants me to share my piece with those who have never tasted cake. I will always have enough cake because it's not my cake, it's His cake. Life isn't about having your piece of the cake... it's about sharing that piece of cake."
Thanks to all those who donated financially to Operation HOPE’s mission and joined in our effort to bring Hope, Light, Bread and Provision to the children of Haiti.
It is an honor to be the hands and feet of Christ.