Stories of redemption and recovery will take center stage on November 11 as Friends of Sinners hosts its 16th annual banquet.
The event begins at 6 p.m. at Grand Stable Venue, 7735 KY 144.
Executive Director Jordan Wilson said the banquet has grown into the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year.
“These are the funds that keep the doors open for Friends of Sinners,” Wilson said. “It’s a celebration event, but we also want people to be prepared to give because it’s 100% a fundraiser.”
The nonprofit serves up to 50 individuals through its men’s and women’s recovery facilities, offering around-the-clock support without billing insurance. Wilson said that makes the program uniquely dependent on community support.
“We are the only Christ-centered addiction recovery residential program in the area, and because of that, we don’t bill insurance for our services,” Wilson said. “We rely on people who believe in the work that we do. Our clients aren’t just a number — they’re people that we establish relationships with.”
Wilson, who is 10 years sober, said Friends of Sinners is committed to maintaining its faith-based approach despite challenges.
“We’re never going to take Christ out of our mission, our values, or our curriculum for any amount of funding,” he said. “Addiction doesn’t discriminate, and this banquet gives us the opportunity to show that reality through the testimonies of our clients.”
The evening will feature guest speaker Dr. James Edwards of Pleasant Valley Community Church, music, dinner, and client testimonies that Wilson said are always the highlight.
“Everyone who comes to our banquet always says that seeing our clients testify is the best part,” he said. “It helps change the stigma around addiction and shows that our clients are mothers, fathers, business owners — people who just got struck by addiction.”
Friends of Sinners began in 2009 with one client, one house, and an unpaid staff member. The program now includes two facilities and employs several full- and part-time staff, along with more than 50 volunteers. Wilson said the organization is still working to complete a 12,000-square-foot addition to its men’s facility.
“We encourage people to bring friends who may not be familiar with Friends of Sinners,” Wilson said. “This is a great opportunity for them to learn more about our work and consider supporting it.”
Individual tickets are $65, with table sponsorships starting at $500 and ranging up to $50,000 for naming rights. Wilson said 20 of the 40 tables have already been reserved. Tickets and sponsorships are available by donation at friendsofsinners.org.
