The 2025 Saving Grace Christmas Gala brought together a multitude of organizations, community members, and partners from across the River Valley to celebrate a year of profound transformation within Saving Grace Russellville—a year-long, faith-based recovery home providing a safe and uplifting place for women to heal from addiction. The evening also served as a major fundraiser, helping meet the home’s growing needs and supporting the women and children who rely on its services.
From the moment doors opened, the atmosphere radiated joy, gratitude, and reverence for the life-changing work happening within the walls of Saving Grace. Guests from ministries, nonprofits, courts, recovery programs, and local businesses gathered to honor the residents' progress and to strengthen the community network that makes such transformation possible.
“What an amazing evening witnessing a community unite to support a center for healing and recovery’s impact on women facing addiction,” said Tiffany Beaudry, 100 Families County Coordinator for Pope and Yell Counties.
Beaudry, like many others, was deeply moved by the transparent testimonies shared throughout the night. One moment in particular—the display of residents’ mugshots paired with their stories of redemption—left a lasting impact.
“The mug shots were the thing that impacted me the most that night,” Beaudry said. “You know that’s when she got me. To truly bear her soul to a room full of people that may not have known the past. Laura showed incredible strength and just how far she will go to reach these ladies and to not let one go another day in their addiction because they think they can’t do it. She is the ultimate example and living out what she preaches and walking it out daily.”
The gala highlighted testimonies of faith, resilience, and newfound identity. For Latosha Taylor, Pope County 100 Families Family Advocate, the night served as a spiritual reminder of purpose.
“It was inspiring to hear the stories of the work God is doing in these ladies’ lives. I left with a renewed spirit and standing on my purpose in God’s kingdom,” Taylor shared.
One of the most talked-about moments of the evening was the “Reality to Truth” skit, where three residents dramatized what their lives looked like before entering Saving Grace—contrasted with the truth of who they are now through faith and recovery. The performance left many in the audience emotional and reflective.
“Getting to hear the heartbreaking stories of those three women and what their reality looked like before Saving Grace and finding sobriety… and then stating what the truth of their life is now based on what God says about them—it truly showed how much they had changed and how they saw their self-worth,” Nikki Stone, Smart Justice District Court Initiative Court Coordinator for Johnson and Franklin Counties, shared.
The event offered opportunities for connection as well.
“Having the opportunity to reconnect and network with people within the recovery community is always so special and worthwhile,” Stone continued. “It's even better when it's at events like the Saving Grace Christmas Gala where you get to help raise funds for their mission and celebrate so many successes.”
The gala celebrated remarkable achievements from the past year, demonstrating how deeply the program impacts residents and their families:
Over 50 residents accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior in 2025
Two dozen women were water baptized
Several students regained their driver’s licenses
Multiple residents earned their high school diplomas
These milestones were recognized throughout the evening, met with applause and tears of joy from supporters who have watched these women reclaim their lives step by step.
“Our Christmas gala galvanizes the recovery community, raises support, and provides a reminder that every woman deserves a real chance at lasting recovery,” said Spencer Kilgore, Executive Director of Project Hope Russellville.
Beyond storytelling, the event also plays a major role in providing for residents’ practical needs during the holiday season and beyond.
“The Saving Grace Christmas Gala sponsors gifts for the ladies, their children, and contributes to much-needed updates for our home,” explained Laura Kilgore, Executive Director of Saving Grace Russellville. “It has grown into an engaging event that is fun for the whole community.”
For many guests, the evening was not only meaningful but also filled with joy and fellowship.
“The Saving Grace Gala was so much fun! It was a great night with amazing people,” said Josie Lechtenberg, Court Coordinator for the Smart Justice District Court Initiative in Pope County. “It was cool to hear Laura’s story. Hearing the ladies’ testimonies and seeing their strength is inspiring.”
As the night came to a close, supporters left with full hearts—grateful for the progress made in 2025 and committed to continuing the mission into the new year. The Saving Grace Christmas Gala once again proved to be more than a fundraiser; it was a celebration of redemption, community, and the unwavering belief that every woman deserves healing, freedom, and a future filled with purpose.
Smart Justice is a magazine, podcast, and continuing news coverage from the nonprofit Restore Hope and covers the pursuit of better outcomes on justice system-related issues, such as child welfare, incarceration, and juvenile justice. Our coverage is solutions-oriented, focusing on the innovative ways in which communities are solving issues and the lessons that have been learned as a result of successes and challenges.
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