On Friday, The Rescue Mission will host its annual Celebration & Stewardship Banquet at The Grand Wayne Convention Center (120 W Jefferson Blvd.) in Fort Wayne.

The event, for which more than 1,000 people are signed up to attend, will include dinner and fellowship, an inspiring testimony from a former resident, and entertainment.

“We want people to leave the banquet feeling inspired and encouraged,” said Rescue Mission CEO & Senior Pastor, Rev. Donovan Coley. “Our incredible line-up of guests and our resident testimony are going to make for a powerful evening of celebrating what God has done at The Rescue Mission.”

Attendees will be treated to a presentation from Ron Hall, author of the best-selling book, “Same Kind of Different As Me,” which was recently released as a major motion picture staring Greg Kinnear, Renee Zellweger, Djimon Hounsou, and Jon Voight.

The night will conclude with a comedy show from Emmy-nominated Christian comedian Chonda Pierce. Pierce has been making audiences laugh for more than two decades and has channeled her life tough life experiences into humor and inspiration.

Select attendees will have the opportunity to attend a Meet & Greet with both Hall and Pierce, prior to the banquet, at 5PM.

The media is welcome to attend. Photo opportunities available.

Proud sponsors of this event include Brotherhood Mutual, The James Foundation, Thrivent Financial, Sweetwater, Parkview Health, Fort Wayne Metals, Glenbrook Square, Ambassador Enterprises, Phillips Financial, Pathway Community Church, and Ash Brokerage.