Fundraising goal surpassed Through the Grace of God Ministries founder Ralph Bingham is considering 2015 “The Year of Hope.”

After the turnout at the organization’s recent fundraising banquet, there’s plenty of hope to go around.

Bingham said more than 300 people attended the banquet April 9 at Clanton First United Methodist Church.

“It was incredible,” Bingham said. “It was great to see the support of the community.”

Bingham said he was especially pleased to see 15-20 local pastors in attendance, as well as local officials including Circuit Court Clerk Glenn McGriff, Probate Judge Bobby Martin and Sheriff John Shearon.

The Rev. Bill Heintz, founder of The Foundry in Bessemer, was the keynote speaker, and Bingham said Heintz also talked about hope.

“He talked about visiting (Through the Grace of God) a couple of years ago, and it reminded him of what they did in Bessemer–how there’s the same vision.”

Tommy Glasscock led silent and live auctions at the event, while the LaRocca family performed a song in sign language. Crystal Russell entertained the crowd with her “Claudean” character, and her husband and son, Jerry and Grayson Russell, sang a song.

The evening’s meal was prepared by Barbara Minor.

Bingham said the ministry’s fundraising goal of $15,000 was surpassed.

“One of the purposes of it, is people think we’re a little bitty ministry on the corner,” he said. “We’re more than that.”