The Journey of Hope LEAP Global Missions Gala 2024 Celebrated Past and Ongoing Missions with a Dedicated Sold-Out Crowd
(Featured photo: Gala Chairs: Leigh and Russ Johnson, Linsey and Ryan Nixon, Adair and Clark Webb .)
It was standing room only at the sold-out Journey of Hope LEAP Global Missions Gala 2024 recently. Chaired by Linsey and Ryan Nixon, Leigh and Russ Johnson, Adair and Clark Webb, the event began with a reception where friends old and new shared stories of travels and LEAP’s ongoing missions.
The three chairs, Linsey, Leigh and Adair, have been friends since the 4th grade at University Park Elementary, sharing life’s ups and downs along the way. When Linsey asked her two dear friends to help her chair the 2024 Gala, there was no hesitation. They had grown up knowing Linsey’s father, LEAP Founder and Medical Director Dr. Craig Hobar, and witnessed his dedication to helping patients with complex medical needs when international patients would stay at their home while recovering from surgery.
Now 33 years later, they joined forces to bring awareness to LEAP’s mission and its dedication to enhancing and enriching the lives of people around the world by providing free specialized medical and surgical services inspired by the love of Christ.
Shelley Slater, Emmy award-winning journalist and the event’s emcee, welcomed the crowd as a slideshow portrayed many of the nonprofit’s patients from all over the world, including Zimbabwe, Ukraine, Mexico and India. The chairs led the invocation and introduced a video of support from Honorary Chairs and longtime friends Denise and Ray Nixon and Meredith and Scottie Scheffler, who unfortunately were not able to attend but sent heartfelt words of inspiration, saying they were there in spirit.
Dr. Hobar thanked the chairs and the LEAP Global Missions team and staff for their ongoing commitment to the organization. He said that LEAP Global Missions has changed over 10,000 lives (mostly children) from 24 countries since its founding in 1991.
To date, LEAP has accomplished almost 200 missions. With past disaster relief efforts, they served over 1,000 people in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake and also aided Syrian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey. LEAP has helped build hospitals as well as trained medical professionals. Dr. Hobar said that God has put their team together and that spreading love and helping the world “truly enriches our soul.”
Benjamin Watson, a former NFL tight end, as well as a writer, featured speaker, and activist, took the stage and shared his story of struggles and finding his faith through compassion. His message also included praise for LEAP’s mission, saying that, “Whatever it is God gives you to do, do your job,” and that LEAP certainly has accomplished their mission and continues to do so, helping thousands along the way.
(File Photo)
(File Photo)
Host committee included Kamela and Kenneth Aboussie, Amy and Dr. Evan Beale, Julie and Craig Beale, Ashley and Jeff Begert, Lauren and Chase Clement, Kathy and Bob Craine, Cile Crouch, Haylie and Bert Crouch, Alexis and Dr. Richard Derksen, Megan and Jonathan Filgo, Leigh and Ryan Friend, Mimi and Dr. Grant Gilliland, Amy and Justin Grissen, Taylor and Carter Hickok, Julia and Carson Hooks, Dr. Michael Lee, Maggie and Jeremiah Mayfield, Katy and Kyle Miller, Caroline and Brian Mitchell, Janey and Walker Steward, Bunny and Mike Tibbals.
To learn more about LEAP Global Missions, visit the website at www.leapmissions.org
About LEAP: LEAP Global Missions is dedicated to enhancing and enriching the lives of people around the world by providing free specialized medical and surgical services inspired by the love of Christ.
Founded over 30 years ago by Dr. Craig Hobar, LEAP volunteers have performed over 10,000 surgeries on patients (mostly children) from 24 countries.
LEAP is committed to developing long-term relationships with our patients, their communities, and other partners involved in our missions. By returning to the same countries, we are able to build trust, offer ongoing education, and continue caring for those who need long-term medical services.
Learn more by visiting the website at www.leapmissions.org
Photos by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio
*Photos courtesy LEAP Global Missions
(Sharon Adams, Adams Communications Public Relations, is honored to represent LEAP Global Missions gala and post this Philanthropy Lifestyles Scene.)
