Event Info
What is the Forest of Hope?
The Forest of Hope is a Christmas themed fundraiser organized by the friends of the Richmond County Rescue Mission. The event was created to support the expansion and sustainability of services provided to the homeless at the rescue mission's new location in East Rockingham.
A team of volunteers at the Place of Grace campus will convert the old Rohanen Middle School gym into a winter wonderland filled with beautiful and whimsical trees and wreaths that have been donated and decorated by businesses and individuals in the community. All guests will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite decorations, and the winners will be acknowledged during the events closing ceremonies. Each donated item will also be sold via silent auction with all proceeds benefiting the Richmond County Rescue Mission.
Attendees will also be treated to beautiful musical performances, an assortment of Christmas snacks, activities for children, fun photo opportunities, and plenty of Christmas surprises.
Why the Forest of Hope is important?
On August 2, 2018 at 11:00am, the former Rohanen Middle School building in East Rockingham was officially acquired by New Life Christian Ministries. The property, which has now been dubbed "The Place of Grace Campus", is in the process of being converted into a church offering three Sunday worship services each week, Sunday school classes, and the host site for many various praise, worship, and educational events. The Place of Grace Campus will also be the home of the Richmond County Rescue Mission.
The move to the new location will allow the rescue mission, which currently only serves men, to expand its services to women and children. There are also plans to provide residents with the opportunity to learn trades such as welding, brick masonry, auto mechanics, and culinary arts. For those wanting to earn a G.E.D., the rescue mission staff hopes to have those classes available on The Place of Grace campus as well.
The new facility also allows the rescue mission to offer assistance to others living in the county. By adding a food pantry, outreach ministry, a soup kitchen, church discipleship and recovery programs; the Richmond County Rescue Mission can make a bigger impact on the community than ever before!
To achieve these goals, many expensive modifications have to be made to the building and grounds. That is where Forest of Hope comes in. Proceeds from the fundraiser will help the rescue mission realize these dreams.
Schedule
Forest of Hope Schedule and Activities
Sunday, November 11 - 5pm until 8pm - Tree and Wreath Contributors will have access to the display area to set up. Note all exhibits must be set up and ready for auction by 8pm on Novemeber 14th!
Monday November 12 - 10am until 7pm - Tree and Wreath Contributors will have access to the display area to set up. Note all exhibits must be set up and ready for auction by 8pm on Novemeber 14th!
Tuesday November 13 - 10am until 7pm - Tree and Wreath Contributors will have access to the display area to set up. Note all exhibits must be set up and ready for auction by 8pm on Novemeber 14th!
Wednesday November 14 - 10am until 8pm - Tree and Wreath Contributors will have access to the display area to set up. Note all exhibits must be set up and ready for auction by 8pm on Novemeber 14th!
Thursday November 15 - 5pm until 8pm - The Forest of Hope will welcome its sponsors and donors to "The Night Before Christmas" ceremony.
Friday November 16 - 5pm until 8pm - The Forest of Hope will be open to the public.
Saturday November 17
10am until 5pm - The Forest of Hope will be open to the public
12pm until 2pm - Visit from Santa
2pm until 3pm - Make your own Ornament
5pm Auction Closes/Closing Ceremony/Awards
6pm Candlelight/Worship/Closing Prayer
