It was 1997 when a home in Hasting was purchased and remodeled and the Alpha-Omega Miracle Home was founded by St. Augustine native, Lisa Franklin. The group established a board of directors then found their first volunteer, Sandra Hersey, and their first sponsor, Family Worship Center. The next year, they hosted their first annual banquet, and in 1999, they opened the Hastings Maternity Home. Since that first day, they’ve stayed committed to a strong and worthy mission: to provide housing, education, and counseling for some of society’s most vulnerable – young mothers, their children, and senior women.
The years since have seen an enormous amount of growth for the organization. They established safe and secure housing all over the county, opened two thrift stores to help fund their work, launched the First Bethesda Farm Donor Match, opened a Diaper Bank, and seen the work that they do affect the lives of hundreds of women. They’re guided by a verse in the 22nd chapter of the book of Revelation, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me…as you did this to the least of these my brothers, you did it unto me.”
Twenty years of service is a huge milestone for Alpha-Omega, and they want to share the celebration with the community that has given them so much support. The Alpha-Omega Miracle Home Annual Banquet will be held on October 10 at Anastasia Baptist Church. It will give supporters the chance to not only witness the wide-reaching impact of this organization but celebrate with a live auction, sponsorship opportunities, and the beautiful music of the AOMH Kids Choir.
The emcee for the evening will be Nikki Kimbleton, the Director Public Affairs for the city of Jacksonville. She’ll be joined by the night’s guest speaker, Kyle Brady. Now retired, Kyle Brady was a tight end in the NFL for thirteen seasons, playing for the New York Jets, New England Patriots, and our very own Jacksonville Jaguars. His message of inspiration will be the perfect way to honor the hope that AOMH offers to every life they touch.
The live auction will certainly be a highlight of the night. With all sorts of incredible items up for bid, you’ll want to keep your eye on the three mountain vacation homes – a “Cowboy Cabin” in North Georgia and two stunning Beech Mountain getaways in North Carolina. There will also be a champion-sired, American Kennel Club Registered Black Lab puppy, who is sure to make some lucky family an incredible companion.
Another can’t-miss addition to the evening is the release of local artist and photographer C.W. Hooper’s new coffee table book. Saint Augustine, FL: Through the Eyes of an Artist is full of stunning scenes of our beautiful city brought to life with brilliant vibrancy. A perfect addition to your decor – whether you live locally or simply miss the city from far away. A $40 purchase, 100% of proceeds will go to fund the work of AOMH.
With their 20th anniversary as the focus, the theme for this year’s banquet is simply “Beginnings.” As this important milestone is put behind them, the year marks the start of a new journey for Alpha-Omega. Always with the goal of providing support and hope for young mothers, children, and senior women, they set their sights on the decades to come.
DETAILS
The Alpha-Omega Miracle Home Annual Banquet will be held on Thursday, October 10 at Anastasia Baptist Church. Doors open at 5:30pm, to peruse auction items. Dinner and program begin at 6:30pm. Tickets to the event are $100 or $75 each for couple’s tickets. Tickets can be purchased online here.
For more information about Alpha-Omega Miracle Home or to purchase tickets to the banquet, visit www.aomh.org.
