The 2021 Carry the Torch luncheon, hosted by the Volunteer Ministry Center, will begin at 11:45 a.m. The luncheon is part of a Mission Fair beginning at 10 a.m. with agencies that serve the homeless presenting booths and information and interacting with attendees seeking volunteer opportunities. The benefit luncheon will feature Father Gregory J. Boyle, a New York Times best-selling author and founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, California, now the largest gang intervention, rehabilitation, and re-entry program in the world. His books include “Barking to the Choir: The Power of Radical Kinship,” and “Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion.” A book signing will be held from 1-2 p.m. For information regarding sponsorships, contact Mary Beth Ramey at 865-524-3926, ext. 229.

(Due to COVID concerns, this event was rescheduled from Sept. 15, 2021.)