By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

PELHAM—Oak Mountain Missions Ministries will host their annual Harvest of Hope fundraiser at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center on Tuesday, Sept. 16.

“It’s our only fundraiser for the year,” Oak Mountain Missions Ministries Assistant Director Dianne Cesario said of the event, which includes a silent auction beginning at 10 a.m. and a luncheon starting at 11:30 a.m.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Fox 6 news anchor Janet Hall and ABC 33/40 weatherman James Spann will be the event’s master of ceremonies. Live musical entertainment will be provided by vocalist-duo Reverend Al and Pashion Lewis.

Admission to the event is on a donation-basis, and all proceed above the cost of the meal go directly to Oak Mountain Missions Ministries. The Harvest of Hope event generates funds to cover “about one-third of our operating expense for the year,” Cesario said.

Located on Pelham Parkway, Oak Mountain Missions Ministries provides food, clothing, furniture and financial assistance to those in need in both Shelby County and the Birmingham area.

Around 40 agencies and 30 churches refer people to Oak Mountain Missions Ministries, Cesario explained, noting the organization assists many escaping situations of domestic violence and homelessness.

“We do food, we do clothing, we do household goods,” Cesario said, adding Oak Mountain Missions Ministries also provides furniture and appliances “helping those to start over.”

The organization is largely volunteer-run with “close to 300 volunteers” assisting with more than 5,000 visits in the past year, Cesario said.

All are invited to attend the Sept. 6 Harvest of Hope event, and reservations can be made by calling the Harvest of Hope at 685-5757 or by emailing Oakmtnmissions@yahoo.com. Admission cost is on a donation-basis. More information about Oak Mountain Missions Ministries can be found at Oakmtnmissions.com.