2022 Wayne B. Smith Awards

Sayre Christian Village hosted a Ministry Appreciation Breakfast for all faith leaders in the region and awarded Wayne B. Smith Honorees on October 11th, 2022.

As the nonprofit is nearing its 40th year serving older adults in the Bluegrass, CEO Karen Venis said,

“It’s important to thank our faith leaders; we simply would not be here today if not for the ministers that worked together to found Sayre. We needed them then and we need them now.”

“In addition to the complimentary breakfast, we are honoring 3 individuals whose gifts of time, talent, or treasure throughout the previous year have benefited people throughout Kentucky,” explained Elise Hinchman, VP of Marketing & Development. “We have heard of so many do-gooders in the Commonwealth this year and the nominations were fantastic.”

Annual award winners exemplify Pastor Wayne B. Smith’s ‘lead with kindness’ first mentality. Pastor Wayne was the first senior minister at Southland Christian Church and was one of the founders of Sayre Christian Village. He is fondly remembered for his laughter and kindness and for never turning away a stranger in need. Wayne looked for the good in all people.

Last year’s 2021 Wayne B. Smith Award honorees were: Lynn Imaging/Monster Color, Southland Christian Church Groups, Volunteer Lisa Richardson, WKYT Anchor Sam Dick, and Pearl’s Memory Babies.

This year’s 2022 Wayne B. Smith Award honorees are: Greg Horn, Lead Minister at Gardenside Christian Church and the “Hope is Here” podcast, Barbara Burton (volunteer that has baptized over 700 inmates in the Jessamine County Detention Center), and Brewster McLeod of McLeod’s Coffee House (a nonprofit that employs ‘differently-abled’ individuals).

Jana Thore and Judy Speakes, Wayne’s daughters, were on hand to pass out the awards. Judy said,

“Dad would be proud of this year’s award nominees. My sister Judy and I love to see that his legacy is still impacting people for the better in the Bluegrass.”

All regional ministry staff were invited to enjoy a buffet breakfast as SCV expressed their gratitude to faith leaders and worship teams for all they do to serve and support others in the Bluegrass region.

Learn more about the Wayne B. Smith Compassionate Care Fund and how Pastor Wayne B. Smith made an impact on the Sayre Christian Village campus.

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