Wednesday, November 12, 2014
We're looking forward to one of our annual traditions, the sixth annual Ball Homes Night of Hope. This year’s event takes place on Thursday, November 13th at 7pm, at the Lexington Opera House. This year's featured speaker is country singer/songwriter Jimmy Wayne, the author of Paper Angels and the new book Walk to Beautiful, the story of his inspiring journey to raise awareness of homeless children.
Jimmy Wayne survived an abusive childhood and years of shuffling through the foster care system, eventually ending up homeless. He was taken in by a couple who fostered his love of music and helped him get his education. After completing his associates degree in criminal justice, he auditioned for a songwriting job for Acuff-Rose, and in 2008 had his first Billboard Top 40 country hits, including the #1 hit "Do You Believe Me Now." Jimmy Wayne never forgot his past though, and on January 1, 2010, he set out on a 1700 mile solo hike from Nashville to Phoenix to raise awareness of homeless youth. Called the "Meet Me Halfway" campaign, he walked 25 miles a day, and was covered by major national media, including People and USA Today. The story of this journey is chronicled in Jimmy's newest book, Walk to Beautiful.
All proceeds from the evening’s festivities go to the Hope Center, to help battle homelessness, addiction and mental illness across Kentucky.