Celebrating New Guardian Angel Members and 2025 Wayne B. Smith “Leading with Kindness” Honorees
Sayre Christian Village in Lexington, KY, recently hosted its annual Ministry Appreciation Breakfast on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. The event brought together more than 100 faith leaders and community partners from across Central Kentucky for a morning of gratitude, good food, and celebration.
For over 40 years, Sayre Christian Village has been serving older adults in the Bluegrass. CEO Karen Venis shared, “It’s important to thank our faith leaders; we simply wouldn’t be here today without the ministers who came together to found Sayre. We needed them then, and we need them now.”
During the breakfast, Sayre Christian Village welcomed two new members into its Guardian Angel Giving Society, a group that honors those who have donated $15,000 or more to support Sayre’s mission. The new inductees are The King’s Daughters and Sons Foundation of Kentucky and The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels.
The event also recognized the 2025 winners of the Wayne B. Smith “Leading with Kindness” Award, named in memory of the late Pastor Wayne B. Smith, founding minister of Southland Christian Church and co-founder of Sayre Christian Village. This year’s honorees are Bill Meck, Chief Meteorologist at LEX 18, and Jack Pattie, longtime Lexington radio host on WVLK 590 AM / 97.7 FM.
“We are honored to recognize those whose gifts of time, talent, and treasure have made a difference in the lives of older adults and families throughout the Bluegrass,” said Elise Hinchman, Chief Operating Officer.
Jana Thore, daughter of Pastor Wayne B. Smith, presented this year’s awards with her sister, Judy. “We are proud to see Dad’s legacy continue through these incredible community members,” Thore shared.
Last year’s honorees included the Lexington Mobile Market (in partnership with The Kroger Co., God’s Pantry Food Bank, and LFUCG), the Clinical Leadership & Management Program at the University of Kentucky, and Vanessa Eddleman of Starbucks.
All ministry and community guests enjoyed a delicious buffet breakfast as Sayre Christian Village shared appreciation for their ongoing service and support. Together, faith leaders and community partners continue to make a positive impact across the Bluegrass.
