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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

Through the Grace of God Ministries saw its most successful fundraiser on Sept. 19.

“(It’s) probably our biggest and best that we have ever had,” Brother Ralph Bingham, director of Through the Grace of God Ministries, said. “I just appreciate the support of Clanton and the surrounding areas.”

With additional monetary funds coming in even after the event, the event exceeded the fundraising goal the organization had set.

This year’s banquet featured a silent auction, live auction and entertainment by Crystal and Jerry Russell.

Bingham opened the event by thanking everyone for coming to support the ministry, which focuses on providing food and other necessities to the homeless and others in need.

The ministry is entirely run by volunteers.

“It amazes me the people who come in day in and day out to volunteer their time, and it’s all because of Jesus,” Sunday Hosch of Through the Grace of God said.

She told those in attendance that they were each having a part in changing a life.

Crystal Russell kept the audience laughing with her Claudine Louise character.

“Sometimes I’m not in my right mind, so my left mind starts working,” she said.

Crystal Russell also used the opportunity to encourage those present.

“Each day is a gift from God, and what we do with it is our gift back to Him,” she said.

Jerry Russell took a more serious tone when he took the stage to sing.

The event ended with the live auction, which included signed footballs from Auburn University and the University of Alabama.