On November 6, FIRM held their annual Fall Banquet at Fresno First Baptist Church! Approximately 200 people filled the room to enjoy the event which featured foods from the Slavic and Southeast Asian culture, dancing from the Hmong and Lao communities and an amazing documentary video that featured three refugee stories. The video documentary featured a Hmong, Lao and Ukrainian refugee story and followed their journey from their home countries to the United States and how FIRM has been part of those stories. Many around the room were in tears as they learned about these heart-wrenching stories of loss and tragedy. FIRM is committed to investing into these stories and the stories we encounter each and everyday! The funds raised at this event will allow FIRM to strategically develop and expand programming to meet physical needs of the refugee community as well as the advancement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We would like to thank all of the sponsors, silent auction item donors and attendees for making this event an incredibly successful evening! We would also like to thank all of the nearly 50 volunteers that made this event possible. FIRM Executive Director, Zachary Darrah, says, “This year’s event really showed how it takes the connection with the community and the support of many to do the work we do at FIRM. Our theme this year was ‘Building Hope Together’ and I think this was clearly shown as people generously gave, volunteers invested hours and donors committed to the future of serving the refugee community in Fresno! I want to thank everyone involved this year and look forward to an exciting upcoming year!”