The fourth annual Firefly Supper benefiting Doors of Hope will take place on Thursday, Oct. 18 at Stone Gate Farm.
Chefs Mitchell Murphree, Five Senses; Michael DeChirico and Tom Goodner, Adams Place Independent Living; Michael O'Bannon, retired pastor; and Jack Barakat, Milano II and Jack’s Place will gather to prepare the meal.
"The Firefly Supper highlights the Doors of Hope mission, which is to strengthen our community by offering support services to women recently released from incarceration who are making the difficult transition back to societal life. The evening includes a wonderful meal prepared by talented local chefs in an elegant, rustic venue, served by the students from Blackman High School's Culinary Arts Department," says Firefly Supper committee chair Stephanie Kinard.
MyNexus is the event’s Presenting Sponsor. Family Worship Center is the Luminary Sponsor. The John W. and Barbara A. Dant Charitable Foundation is sponsoring the Bart Warner Volunteer of the Year Award that will be presented at the Firefly Supper.
The late Dr. Bart Warner was instrumental in the early years of Doors of Hope, and to honor his immense contributions, the Volunteer of the Year Award was named in his memory.
Doors of Hope founder, Maridel Williams, is excited to celebrate again this year with friends and supporters who have helped make this another amazing year.
“It has been a year of unparalleled forward progress for the agency, but more importantly a year of incredible accomplishments in the lives of our clients,” Williams said.
“By utilizing more volunteers, adding staff, and bringing two more properties online for additional transitional housing, we provided services to a record number of clients,” she continued. "In January, our housing was accredited by the Tennessee Department of Corrections, which opened the floodgates on applications. While we continue to provide excellent education, transition planning, and reentry services in Rutherford County correctional facilities, the number of applicants has tripled, as we now receive calls from case managers and facilities across the entire state. While the workload has increased dramatically, our staff feels blessed to be in the position to help even more people than ever before.”
To learn more about Doors of Hope, please make plans to attend the Firefly Supper on Oct. 18. A limited number of tickets are still available. For more information, please contact Doors of Hope at (615) 900-0634 or email Emily Johnston at ejohnston@opendoorsofhope.org.
Photo: Jack Barakat, left to right, top row, and Michael Dechirico; Tom Gooder, left to right, bottom row; Mitchell Murphree, and Michael O'Bannon.
DOORS OF HOPE, founded in 2011 by Maridel Williams, provides mentoring, training, and basic needs to women who are nearing release from incarceration. They work primarily with non-violent offenders to help them succeed in building a better life for themselves and the next generation.
