For Immediate Release
Contact: Amy Thompson
Phone: 251-423-7605
New Season '09 Brings "Under the Overpass" Author to Mobile
Event to Benefit Waterfront Rescue Mission
Mobile, AL November 11, 2009 - It seemed a crazy idea; living as a homeless person in six American cities for five months. It was indeed a crazy idea that became a transformational and inspiring story as two college students left school and comfortable middle-class lives behind for a journey on the streets. The result: a best-selling book titled "Under the Overpass" that challenges readers to explore their faith, identify with the poor and find "more forgotten, ruined, beautiful people than we ever imagined existed, and more reason to hope in their redemption." Author Mike Yankoski comes to Mobile November 20th for the second signature fundraiser luncheon for the Waterfront Rescue Mission titled "New Season '09". In the spirit of last year's standing room only event featuring "Same Kind of Different as Me" authors, Denver Moore and Ron Hall, the event is free to the public.
"More than just one man's compelling account of life as a homeless person, this book inspires all of us to consider how much we're really willing to live in complete abandonment to God's will for our lives, trust His provision, and be used by Him to serve others," offers event co-chair Robin Minton. Yankoski and a friend spent five months in 2003 on the streets of Denver, Phoenix, Washington, DC and other cities. Playing their guitars and panhandling, they relied on charity to survive. Their story is one of harshness, hunger, dangers and indignities. They became friends with other homeless people and saw them struggle with addiction to drugs and alcohol. Garbage cans and dumpsters offered meals as night after night Mike and Sam made makeshift beds under bridges and on the street.
The luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. on November 20th at Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center in downtown Mobile. The cost of the luncheon is underwritten by sponsors and table hosts so that there is no charge to guests and all donations that day will go directly to the mission. Last year's event raised some $150,000 for the Waterfront Rescue Mission - allowing significant renovation and improvements to Mobile's only shelter offering both rescue and recovery for those with addiction issues.
"Last year's event truly launched a 'new season' for the Mission and our goal to serve the needs of the poor, the addicted, the abused and the lost," said Bill Bru, director of Mobile's Waterfront Rescue Mission. "We couldn't offer the kind of fresh start we envisioned for the men who come to our doorstep when our own facility was suffering. The renovations have been such a great step. Now we're partnering with the University of Mobile in internships for those studying sociology. And a local community college wants to partner with us in their culinary school; helping us to provide healthy meals. It's a coming together of energy and vision that will allow us to offer compassionate help to those who desperately need a change in their lives and a plan for success."
For more information about reservations or table sponsorships information please call Reta Barnes, Development Associate for the Waterfront Rescue Mission, at (251) 433-1847 or visit www.undertheoverpass.com.
###