Christmas at the Mansion, a fundraiser for Renewal Ranch in Conway, was held in the Great Hall of the Governor's Mansion on Dec. 2. This year's affair was a step up from the group's usual "casual, Ozark Mountain country" Christmas dinner, mansion administrator and Renewal Ranch volunteer Don Bingham has said.
Guests could tour the mansion's public areas, which were elaborately decorated for Christmas with the theme "A Tribute to Handel." After a buffet dinner in the Great Hall, organizers put on a program that included Christmas music and presentations by ranch residents and guest speakers. Featured were former professional golfer Steve Hutton and Jennifer Smith, who serves as a chaplain at the McPherson Women's Unit in Newport.
Renewal Ranch is a 12-month, faith-based recovery program free to men of every age who are addicted to drugs or alcohol. Money raised will go toward construction of the Restoration Center, a multipurpose building with space for a chapel, dining area, classrooms and additional bed space.
-- Story and photos by Cary Jenkins
High Profile on 12/11/2016