Freedom Awards Gala

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June 29
6:30 pm
Utah Valley Convention Center

Provo

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$60

Freedom Awards Gala

The 2023 Freedom Award recipients will join an impressive list of previous honorees who have each made unique contributions to the defense and sharing of the traditional American values of God, family, freedom and country. Our recipients this year represent those who, feeling blessed themselves, have reached out to others in an effort to share the blessings of freedom. They understand that at times the basic human needs of food, shelter, and safety must first be met before the wider vision of freedom can be comprehended and embraced. There are those who risk their own lives in defending freedom for thousands whom they may never even meet face-to-face. And there are still others who are determined to keep alive the remembrance of the high price paid that we might live in a land of the free, and a home of the brave.

Chairperson(s)

Vicki Garbutt -

vicki.garbutt@freedomfestival.org

2022 Honorees

KYLE FOX—The founder of the ‘Follow the Flag’ organization. Their vision is to “Honor, Heal, and Inspire this great nation and beyond. The flag, as the symbol of the sacred principle that we are ‘one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all,’ can become a gathering place where we celebrate our shared values and find ways to use those values to lift all our brothers and sisters.” Anyone who has seen “Big Betsy” waving in the breeze in Grove Creek Canyon can attest to the impact of their efforts.

PAUL “BUD” HAEDIKE—A 97-year-old veteran of WWII who served in the U.S. Air Force as a togglier bombardier in the nose of a B-17 bomber. The experiences of his group are related in a documentary entitled, “The Cold Blue.” A little-known fact is that the temperature inside of the B-17 was between -20°F and -30°F. Bud has noted that the average number of missions completed for a member of the Air Force during the war was between ten and twelve. His crew completed 23 combat missions and three humanitarian food drops.

STACEY & CORY HOFMAN—After learning about the plight of orphaned children in Ghana who were being used as slave labor in dangerous fishing operations, the Hofmans were moved to action and “Ghana Make A Difference” (GMAD) was organized. Many of the children were orphaned or had been abandoned because of their special needs. GMAD has pooled resources to provide rehabilitative medical care, a school, love, and hope for these children. The goal is to either return them to their families or to place them with a new Ghanaian family. The Hofmans are definitely Making A Difference.

CARLOS & VÂNIA MARTINS—The Martins had accepted a church service mission in their home country of Brazil. There they encountered thousands of refugees crossing over the border from Venezuela. Vânia’s compassion and Carlos’ business connections became key elements in developing plans to help with relocation efforts to less overwhelmed areas of the country where a better chance for employment and acclimation could be found. Working tirelessly, the Martins tackled logistic, housing, and transportation issues. With the support of many organizations, businesses, and partners, they witnessed countless miracles as some 20,000 refugees have been able to start rebuilding their lives.

CHARLES & ESTHER MULLY—Mully grew up in an abusive home in a poor area of Kenya. Abandoned at age six, he lived on the streets for years before being taken in by a family and given work to do in their fields. As an adult, he worked hard and became very successful. One day he felt inspired to quit his job and sell everything. He started bringing street children home to provide them with food, an education, and love—all with his wife, Esther, by his side. The faith and love they share has blessed the lives of thousands of children.

Program Info

Our talented, current Miss Provo Royalty will perform the National Anthem

John Sargeant—the Gala’s Piano Man!—will provide the pre-show, dinner, and post-show entertainment. He is an established musician and recording artist. This will be his seventh year performing for the Freedom Awards Gala.

Ticket Information

Tickets will be $60/person and may be ordered starting Wednesday, June 1. For those interested, a full table (for ten guests) can be purchased for $600.
Program participants, Festival sponsors, and those purchasing a full table will have assigned, reserved seating. Other guests may select a location in open seating that evening. Ballroom doors will open at 6:00 p.m. Program will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Reservations are required. Tickets will not be available at the door.
Orders may be placed by phone (801-818-1776) or by going to the Festival office (4626 N. 300 W., Suite 300, Provo). No online ordering is available.

There will be a $5.00 fee per order for tickets that are mailed out.
Deadline for ordering tickets is Tuesday, June 21 @ 5:00 p.m.
Payment by cash or check preferred. Credit cards also accepted.
Requests to meet special dietary needs must be made at the time of ticket purchase.

Salad

A Crisp Romaine Wedge Salad with Fire Roasted Tomatoes, Smokey Chopped Bacon, and Feta Cheese, served with a choice of the House Vinaigrette or Ranch Dressing Dinner Rolls and Butter

Entrée

Dual Entrée of a Tender Chicken Breast glazed with an Apricot Chutney and a Choice Flank Steak with a Chimichurri Sauce, served with Sautéed Seasoned Green Beans and Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes

Dessert

Choice of Tuxedo Sponge Cake with a Fresh Berry Garnish or Creamy New York Cheesecake with a Blackberry Compote

Gluten-free option:

Salad as above without Dinner Roll
Entrée as above
Dessert—Flourless Chocolate Torte

Vegetarian option:

Salad as above without Bacon
Entrée—Roasted Portobello Mushroom Cap Stuffed with Sautéed Vegetables on a Bed of Wild Rice
Dessert—Flourless Chocolate Torte

Freedom Awards Gala

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