A banquet for the Central Campus of the Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge will be held April 30 at Cragun's Resort to honor Navy Chief Adam Brown, who was killed in action in the Komar Province of Afghanistan on March 17, 2010.
"Chief Brown, a SEAL with Naval Special Operations Command and Teen Challenge graduate with the Florida program, learned to overcome many challenges due to his life experiences with teen challenge," said Jim Kalkofen, event organizer.
The story of Brown's courage, adversity, battles with addiction, graduation from Teen Challenge and faith will be shared by his parents Larry and Janice Brown during the banquet.
The banquet and silent auction is set for Cragun's Resort on Thursday, April 30. In addition to the Browns, the festivities will feature a dinner, songs and testimonies from the Brainerd campus residents, and a chance to learn more about the programs offered.
"We encourage friends and families to make this a must-attend event. For those who have not been to a Teen Challenge banquet recently, plan to join us for this special evening," said Sam Anderson, center director.
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"The Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge, the mission is to assist teens and adults in gaining freedom from chemical addictions and other life-controlling problems by addressing physical, emotional and spiritual needs," said Jim Kalkofen.
The program that started in the 1950s came to Minnesota in response to large gang activities in the Twin Cities. Pastor David Wilkerson from New York helped to establish the initiative which now has a center in every state across the nation as well as 400 worldwide.
"Between Rochester, Brainerd and Duluth we assist over 650 clients at any one time statewide," said Kalkofen.
The Brainerd campus offers a short-term, intensive outpatient treatment for adult women and men and a residential long-term, faith-based recovery program. These two distinct offerings provide effective service to individuals with a broad spectrum of addiction issues.
"Our volunteers and mentors are so very instrumental in what we do, we couldn't do it without them," said Kalkofen. "It shows just how much fulfillment people can get leading a positive life."
To reserve banquet tickets call Brooke Devine at 218-833-8749, email brooke.devine@mntc.org or register online at mntc.org/events.
