WIHS 104.9 FM to host annual banquet on October 18

Connecticut Radio Fellowship, the non-profit, commercial-free, listener-supported media ministry that operates WIHS 104.9 FM radio at 1933 South Main Street in Middletown, will host its 2025 “Celebrate Jesus Gala & Expo” at the Aqua Turf Club located at 556 Mulberry Street in Southington on Saturday, October 18 from 4:30 to 9:15 pm. The event is an annual “family reunion” of Christians from across Connecticut and the Station’s major fall fundraiser. The deadline for ticket purchases is Friday, October 10.

The event will begin with a Ministry Expo from 4:30 to 6:15 pm consisting of displays by a mix of about 30 Connecticut-based Christian ministries, complemented by live instrumental music by The Bennett Family and appetizers. Opening praise and worship will take place at 6:15 pm led by the new In His Service (IHS) Praise Band, followed by an invocation by Heather Spada with TruthWorks in Manchester.

The full-course family-style dinner will begin at 6:30 pm emceed by Gerry Williams, WIHS Community News Director and co-host of the Morning Cheer weekday drive-time show. The banquet will feature round tables of ten for outstanding conversations and networking, complemented by instrumental recorded dinner music compiled by WIHS Broadcast Director Neil Knudsen. Encouraging WIHS updates will then be shared by Drew Crandall, President of Connecticut Radio Fellowship, who will recap the past year and vision-cast for the future.

The keynote speakers will be Thomas and Deborah Berrill with the Institute of Connecticut History in Bristol, who will share fascinating, little-known insights on Connecticut's rich Christian heritage. Throughout the year, the Berrills give presentations and tours of Connecticut's State Capitol and State Library. Attendees will be inspired and encouraged by the State’s godly legacy and how the Lord can use this foundation to stir revival in the future.

Heartwarming, life-changing listener testimonies will be shared by Robin Hansen, WIHS Office Manager, followed by a brief message by Sheila Kimball, Northeast Area Leader for the National Day of Prayer Task Force and a gentle "ask" for financial partnerships by Matt Harper, WIHS General Manager. Rev. Christopher Adams, the "Singing Chaplain" from New Britain, will wrap up the Gala by leading the assembly in singing "Great Is Thy Faithfulness," the first song that aired on WIHS on October 11, 1969. The station has been on the air 24/7 ever since.

The benediction at 9:15 pm will be led by Rev. Bruce Fletcher of Bethel Christian Church in West Hartford. The Ministry Expo will reopen from 9:15 to 9:30 pm so attendees can make last-minute connections and take home helpful exhibitor information. For more details and online ticket sales, expo display space and sponsorship signups, please visit www.WIHSradio.org.