2008 Banquet Reflections

Although Associates will complete 17 years of ministry in our community this fall, it was our 9th annual fundraising banquet that was held last month. Nearly 400 friends and supports gathered on April 17th, to fellowship, enjoy a meal together and for some to learn about Associates in Christian Counseling for the first time.

Our special guest this year was NC-Chapel Hill and NBA star, Bobby Jones. Bobby played for Carolina from 1970-1974, was a member of the 1972 US Olympic basketball team, and went on to a 12-year pro career including a 1983 NBA championship with the Philadelphia 76ers. Currently Bobby is Vice President and Founder of 2xSalt, Inc., a non-profit ministry in Charlotte, NC, serving youth who are challenged spiritually, educationally, emotionally, economically, and socially. These are the facts of Bobby Jones but our guests also heard reflections shared from his heart.

Bobby did tell stories of his time at Carolina, memories of playing under Dean Smith, and of playing in the pros. But throughout his theme was legacy—how the investment of others in his life impacted him as a young man; how he invested in others over the years and even more now through his own ministry. He provided a vision for our guests of how both the clinicians working directly with clients as well as those who faithfully support Associates financially are investing in a legacy in people’s lives that will go on to touch other lives beyond what we could imagine.

This special evening ended on a lighthearted note with the drawing for our special gifts:
Two basketballs signed by Bobby Jones, a soccer ball signed by the 2007 NCAA Men’s Championship WFU team, and a basketball signed by the 2008 ACC Men’s Championship Carolina team.

To our guests, thank you so much for coming. We appreciate your support of this annual event through your sponsorships, your gifts, and your presence. To those of you who were not able to join us, we hope you’ll be able to fellowship with us next year.

Heather Verga,
Banquet Chair