Midway University will host its “Day for Midway” celebration event on Thursday, October 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. with a special presentation of its Community Spirit Award.
SPARK Community Café, the “pay what you can,” farm-to-table café in downtown Versailles, will be recognized at the reception for its mission of ensuring an equal dining experience for all its patrons, regardless of means.
“At a time when food insecurity rates are gradually increasing across the country, a good percentage of Woodford County residents are impacted,” said Dr. John Marsden, President of Midway University. “SPARK operates through donations and volunteerism as a place where people can gather and eat in dignity and that focus is something we feel deserves to be celebrated.”
This is the sixth year for Day for Midway. In the past, the event has included a silent auction that will not be offered this year. Instead, the evening festivities will include music, and light appetizers and a cocktail reception, with a brief program.
“We want this to be more of a social gathering to celebrate Midway and the Woodford County community, with the focus being the Community Spirit Award,” said Dr. Marsden. “It’s also a great opportunity for us to share all the exciting changes, growth and activities taking place at Midway University.”
Previous Community Spirit honorees include Lillie Cox (2018), Midway Woman’s Club (2017), Joyce and the late Joel Evans (2016), the Midway Christian Church (2015) and at the inaugural event the late Betty Ann Voigt was recognized for her gift to the University with the dedication of the Betty Ann Voigt Nursing Corridor inside the Anne Hart Raymond Center.
The event – which will take place in the Anne Hart Raymond Center on Midway’s campus – is free and open to the public. Anyone interested in attending is asked to RSVP to Shannon Ireland at sireland@midway.edu or 859.846.5873.