2011 Leadership Awards Dinner
It’s our tradition at the LLF Annual Awards Dinner to honor individuals outside of our organization who are doing work in the Kingdom similar to what we aspire to do ourselves. Each year guests can look forward to meeting some new and amazing faces and this year was no exception!
Angel Dodge, Keyaira Jackson, Erykah Henry, Michael Overstreet, Anthony Overstreet
The evening began with worship music led by some awesome teens in our Urban Impact leadership program. These young people had the crowd on its feet joyfully praising God!
What a refreshing way to begin the night!
Next, it was our privilege to recognize Bettye Simpson, this year’s Street Saint.
Eric Geary with Bettye Simpson
After suffering from kidney disease that nearly took her life in 1999, Bettye determined to devote the rest of her life on this earth in service to Jesus and his Kingdom. She has worked with many agencies serving the vulnerable, particularly her church, Mt. Calvary Baptist, and the Community Action Council. Bettye was a co-founder of KIP (Knowledge is Power) in cooperation with those organizations. Michael Jackson introduced Ms. Bettye, noting that she loves children unconditionally and will do anything for them and their families. Although she has no biological children of her own, she has a multitude of spiritual children!
This year’s Social Entrepreneur was Jim Sawyer, nominated by Jay McChord and Tamela Luther.
Tamela Luther, Jim & Mollie Sawyer
Jim is the owner of Sawyer’s restaurant at the corner of Main and Broadway. As Tamela testified, it has been his practice to hire individuals who aren’t easily given second chances due to a criminal record or other issues in their life. Because of her employment at Sawyer’s, Tamela was able to get her life back on track after being incarcerated. She eventually regained custody of her children, bought a home and is going to college. Jim attributed much of this success to Tamela’s own hard work, but he was recognized for providing the opportunity. He noted that some cases have turned out great, like Tamela’s, however, not all of them do. It is a risk he’s been willing to take on people. We’re glad he did!
We are grateful to our sponsors, silent auction supporters and everyone who helped make it a special night!
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