Valentine's Banquet To Feature Local Talent

Jaime Santiago, founder and executive director of Restart Training Center Ministry (RTCM), is looking forward to a bit of a change in this year's Valentines Sweetheart Banquet. The event, which in the past has been solely for couples, will be a little more open. "We thought we would have a little more fun this time," said Santiago. "If the mom and dad want to come as a couple, that's fine, but it's (also) fine if they want to bring the kids."

The RTCM annual Valentine Sweetheart Banquet will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 1, at Faith Mennonite High School, 5085 Woodland Drive, Kinzers. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for special music by guest musicians Dan and Amanda Esh. A fellowship meal catered by Shady Maple will be held at 6:30 p.m. The event will feature door prizes and the comedy of Ryan and Friends. A freewill offering will be accepted at the banquet.

Santiago said the Eshes are well-known as a couple in the community. "They sing Christian music and (specifically) music for couples," said Santiago of Dan and Amanda, who grew up in singing families and together love to share their music.

Ryan Baumgardner of Ryan and Friends has been performing for more than 15 years. Santiago first met Baumgardner when both were involved with Gospel Express giving presentations in South Carolina prisons. At the time, Santiago worked with Teen Challenge. "I took the students down to participate, and Ryan was one of the presenters doing his ventriloquism in the prisons," explained Santiago, who said he had been considering Baumgardner, who has performed locally and on television, for the Valentine Sweetheart Banquet for a few years. "It finally worked out to be a good fit," said Santiago, who noted that as a traveling performer with a wife and family, Baumgardner understands the journey of marriage and how being away can affect that institution.

RTCM is an organization that strives to help men who have turned to abusing chemicals or have developed other kinds of addictions. Santiago said he is grateful that the Lord has sustained the ministry. The student housing facility, located in East Lampeter Township near Strasburg, can house up to 12 men. Santiago said that most graduates move on to other county organizations that offer a phase two program.

Currently, the organization is working toward funding two efforts. The first is to raise $25,000 to provide scholarships for two students. The effort had brought in about $6,000 as of early December. The second has a goal of $8,000 to replace the bunk beds at the house with metal frame beds and new mattresses and bedding. As of early December, about $3,500 had been raised toward that goal.

Seating at the banquet will be limited. Table sponsorships are available, and discounts will be offered for table registration and tickets purchased by Tuesday, Jan. 18. Readers who would like to purchase tickets or sponsor a table may call or text 717-304-3291 or email officemanager@restartministry.org. Tickets may also be purchased on the events page at http://www.restartministry.org/events.