Overcoming Together: Save the Date for an Evening to Remember on February 21!

Overcoming Together: Save the Date for an Evening to Remember on February 21!

What makes a great NFL linebacker? Grit, vision, and the ability to read the field—even when chaos reigns. But here’s the truth: even the most skilled linebacker can’t do it alone. Success comes from working together, trusting your teammates, and pushing forward. This year’s Hope Banquet is built on that same playbook: Overcoming Together.

Mark your calendar: Friday, February 21, 2025. The annual Hope Banquet is just around the corner, and it will be a night you’ll talk about long after the final whistle. This year’s theme, Overcoming Together, promises an evening packed with stories that inspire a community united in purpose and a reminder that even in our most challenging seasons, we are stronger together.

We’re thrilled to welcome Vincent Rey, former Cincinnati Bengals linebacker and current team chaplain, as our keynote speaker. Vincent’s journey from NFL greatness to servant leadership is a testament to perseverance, faith, and the power of leaning on others when it matters most. He’ll take us behind the scenes of his most memorable plays, share stories of growing up, and offer hard-won wisdom on bouncing back from life’s setbacks. Not every day do you get a front-row seat in the mind of someone who’s faced high-pressure moments with courage and lived to inspire others with his story.

If you’ve ever watched a linebacker at work, you’ll know their success doesn’t come from brute force alone. They can see the big picture, anticipate the play, and trust their team to fill the gaps that lead to victory. Football teaches us this: overcoming challenges is a team effort. When the defensive line holds steady, the linebacker can charge forward. When the secondary has your back, you can take risks that change the game. It’s a powerful reminder that we are not meant to face life’s obstacles alone.

This same spirit of teamwork is at the heart of the Hope Banquet. From the fabulous food that will tempt your taste buds to the awe-inspiring live speed painting by Mark Thesken (seriously, you’ll blink and miss the magic!), the Hope Banquet is an experience. You’ll meet our excellent Life Center partners, hear about future dreams, and honor local leaders who are doing great work in our community. This is your chance to join hands and watch hope flourish.

So, what’s the next step? Invite a friend! Better yet, purchase a table for eight and make it a night to remember. Bring your neighbors, coworkers, or that friend who’s been meaning to reconnect. Let’s pack the house at Whitewater Crossing and rally around a shared mission: to empower anyone struggling with what they need to grow.

Whether celebrating Vincent’s story, marveling at art in motion, or simply sharing laughter with people who care, the Hope Banquet is where transformation begins. It’s where faith meets action, and we become part of a story so much bigger than ourselves.

Ready to make some Hope happen? Friday, February 21, 2025. You don’t want to miss this play. Click here to reserve your spot today.