By CAROLINE CARMICHAEL / Staff Writer

The Through the Grace of God Ministries annual fundraiser banquet on Sept. 7 saw its greatest success since its start about five years ago.

Brother Ralph Bingham, director of the nonprofit food outreach, said he was very pleased with the outcome.

“We did great — actually, though, we exceeded our goals,” Bingham said. “Our attendance was good, and folks are being really sensitive to helping me out — [accepting] our invitation to come help us here at the ministry, so I was really pleased.”

Bingham said the fundraising aim was to acquire enough funds to support next year’s budget.

“This is probably the toughest year that we’ve had,” Bingham said of ministry finances, “but we’re just grateful that the Lord keeps providing.”

Bingham said as far as fundraising goes at the ministry’s annual dinner and auction, “we did better this year than any other year.”

Participants settled into the event with Country Lane Too Catering  served by Jemison High Culinary, enjoying their meals along with live entertainment from local Gospel singers Rhonda and Ray Headley and comedic speaker Lee McBride.

A live auction facilitated by Tommy Glasscock closed the evening, participants’ auction bids supplying for what is anticipated to be the most financially secure year the ministry has yet seen.

“We’re grateful,” Bingham said. “It’s good to have the support of churches and civic groups, civic leaders, you know? It’s good to see them all come out… It makes you know they haven’t forgotten us.”