Big Smiles and Cheers at the Color Their World Banquet
September 16, 2019The Allies Color Their World banquet Sunday was packed into Walnut Ridge Baptist Church yesterday for a lovely evening of food, fellowship and a lot of excitement.
At the beginning of the event, Chris Burgin and Dr. Tatiana Baeva honored Michael Henshaw with the Allies Empowerment Award for his outstanding service and commitment to the orphans. For many years Michael has steadfastly promoted and helped Allies and the orphans in various ways. Michael has raised over $35,000 for projects with the orphans, and helped start the beginnings of the Allies Tutoring Program.
Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn charmed the crowd as usual, with intriguing stories of challenges his law enforcement team faces with human trafficking right here in Tarrant county. He shared of an incredible rescue – of a 13 year old Guatemala girl trapped in the trafficking world. He described the large amount of illegal activity coming across our southern border and how human trafficking is quickly becoming a rival to narcotics for the largest illegal activity. Sheriff Waybourn encouraged everyone to stand up together to make a difference for these children who have no other help - to use the resources God gave us to help those near to the Father’s heart.
Chris Burgin shared some successes achieved through consistency and dedication, like the completion of two houses for Orion village, which takes in orphaned children and raises them through their special programs. He shared another story of “Alex”, a one year old who was on the doorsteps of death, but saved by Allies and later adopted by some Allies friends.
Chris also shared about the amazing growth Allies has experienced. Allies is now impacting 60 orphanages! He concluded by challenging people to “do what you can do” and together build brighter tomorrows for these children.
The banquet boasted an exhilarating ending thanks to the talents of Keith Pressley in the live auction. The crowd was entertained as many valuable and unique items were sent to the highest bidder. Items included a signed print of Apollo 11’s crew, signed NFL helmet, a large Avengers poster signed by the cast, a signed Paul McCarntey guitar, and various trips, including a one week tour in Tuscany, which ended being the highest sought item of the evening!
If you were unable to attend the banquet this year, we hope you can join us next year in September. If you would like to donate to the Allies Endowment and have your gift matched, thanks to a generous donor, visit our donate page now at https://www.northtexasgivingday.org/ALLIESYOUTH