Paul Anderson Youth Home Hosts Christmas Family Extravaganza
The Christ-centered youth home’s annual Christmas celebration raises funds, awareness and spirits.
Paul Anderson Youth Home, a fully-accredited and licensed home offering a second chance to young men in crisis, held its annual Christmas party at the First Baptist Church of Vidalia recently. In order to comply with changes due to the pandemic, the event was unlike the traditional dinner theater show. This year the evening began with a 'Jingle Mingle” featuring delectable Christmas goodies and heavy hors d’oeuvres, followed by a lineup of singers, musicians, a jazz ensemble, youth choir and more. “Our 17th annual Christmas celebration promised to be different, with a new and exciting program of entertainment,” said Glenda Anderson, Co-founder of Paul Anderson Youth Home. “And while we are excited to celebrate the Holy season, we couldn’t wait to share the mission of our ministry and remind our local community about the important work we have been doing for nearly 60 years,” she added. At Paul Anderson Youth Home, the endless distractions and commercialization of Christmas are put on pause. Instead, the home celebrates the birth of Christ, slowing down the hectic nature of the season to allow a focus on its true meaning. The Christmas Family Extravaganza finds that balance of celebrating God’s gifts and having fun while supporting such a worthy cause.
Details can be found at payh.org/christmas. The Reverend Don Moye of First Baptist Church Vidalia orchestrated the evening’s entertainment. Matthew Kersey, Minister of Music and Worship at Grace Community Presbyterian Church and Jeff McCormick, headmaster at Vidalia Heritage Academy, emceed the show. Performance acts included Bill Torrance as “Uncle Gus,” a piano duet with Marshia Pierce and Kathy Rogers, the Williams Family Trio, PAYH staff members Eileen Whitfield and Steven Richardson, and the Vidalia Heritage Children’s Choir. The evening closed with a special performance by members of the PAYH staff and young men. “As we gather together to celebrate this Christmas season, we are asking everyone to keep an open ear and open heart to spread the word about the Paul Anderson Youth Home and connect us with the families of young men who are struggling with behavioral problems and issues of discipline, anger, and depression. Through our spiritual counseling, character development, and accelerated learning program, we share Christ with these young men. He is the one who transforms their lives for eternity. Our Christmas Extravaganza is one of the many celebrations held throughout the year to celebrate this important work,” PAYH staff commented.
ABOUT PAUL ANDERSON YOUTH HOME Founded in 1961 by weightlifting world champion Paul Anderson and his wife, Glenda, the Paul Anderson Youth Home (PAYH) is a Christian residential program and oncampus school for young men between the ages of 16 and 21 struggling with behavioral problems and issues of discipline, anger and depression. PAYH is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). In addition to counseling and character development, PAYH offers an accelerated learning program enabling residents to graduate with a high school diploma and technical certifications. To date, over 1,400 young men have attended the program. The Home is located at 1603 McIntosh Street in Vidalia. To learn more about PAYH, call (912) 537-7237 or visit www.payh.org.
CHRISTMAS TUNES — Paul Anderson Youth Home staff members Eileen Whitfield (Right) and Steven Richardson (Left) perform together at the Christmas Extravaganza.
BLENDED VOICES — The Vidalia Heritage Children’s Choir sing for guests at the Christmas Extravaganza.
SWEET MUSIC — The boys of Paul Anderson Youth Home sing together at the Christmas Extravaganza.
