In the first week of December, Mercy Multiplied hosted its annual Merry Mercy Christmas Benefits in Nashville and St. Louis.
On December 3rd, attendees gathered in the Music City Center for the Nashville dinner and silent auction. Shelley Breen and Denise Jones, founding Point of Grace members and longtime Mercy supporters, served as emcees for the night. GRAMMY-nominated artist Danny Gokey provided musical entertainment for the evening alongside his full band.
Nancy Alcorn, Founder and President of Mercy Multiplied, gave her annual state of the union address with a special focus on the organization’s heart for young women who have walked through unplanned pregnancy or abortion.
In addition to her keynote address, Alcorn interviewed two graduates on stage who both entered the program facing an unplanned pregnancy. 1997 graduate Sara shared about her decision to parent her daughter, and 2002 graduate Kathryne spoke about the process of placing her son for adoption.
“It was powerful to hear the transformational stories from the two graduates who were pregnant at Mercy and chose life! “I loved seeing pictures of their families and children today. They were just two of the many young women on the other side of Nancy’s obedience!” -Community Relations Manager, Sandie Haskins.
The St. Louis Merry Mercy Christmas Benefit took place on December 5th featuring music by renowned singer/songwriter Dana Glover. The evening was emceed by Dr. Jerod Posey, a St. Louis Community Board Member.
During her speech, Alcorn had an opportunity to honor 1996 graduate Tonya, who was in attendance. Tonya’s story was featured in Alcorn’s book Mercy Moves Mountains, and she now serves on the Run For Mercy 5k and Family Walk Committee and leads a Keys to Freedom study.
One of the most impactful moments of the evening was the live graduate testimony. 2012 graduate Sophonie shared her testimony and gave an update about what God is currently doing in her life.
“Sophonie is evidence that God can and does change lives. Hearing her testimony brought everyone in the room to their feet. It’s amazing to hear where she has been because she is such a different person. She is now someone who knows scripture so well that it genuinely just flows out of her.” -Ashleigh Brandmeyer, Mercy staff member.
Both benefits were huge successes and generated great support for Mercy Multiplied! Executive Director of Development, Rachel Bedenbaugh expressed her gratitude for all in attendance, “God has sent Mercy Multiplied the best supporters! It is encouraging to gather and celebrate all of the lives that have been transformed since walking through the doors of one of our Mercy homes.”
If you would like to give a special end of year gift or become a monthly partner, you can give now on our website!
“We are so grateful to God for the outpouring of support Mercy receives from our donors,” explained Lauren Hobar, Director of Fundraising. “Every person who gives generously is helping to make a way for more young women to find freedom in Jesus!”
We want to give a huge thank you to all our supporters and sponsors!
Nashville Sponsors: Hammered Heart Foundation, Legacy Tree Foundation, The Ramsey Family Foundation, Ancient Nutrition- Nicki and Jordan Rubin, Rachel and Robert Bedenbaugh, Bernard Health, Specialized Truck Repair.
St. Louis Sponsors: Hand of Hope – Joyce Meyer Ministries World Missions, Victory Church, Ambassador Kyle and Victoria McCarter, EmilyDobsonPhotography.com.