On April 9, the Christian Appalachian Project’s family of past and present board members, employees and their families, donors, and media came together at the Kentucky Theater in Lexington, Kentucky, for a very special CAP milestone: the premiere of the documentary “50 Years in the Mountains.” The film is a tribute honoring the services and programs of CAP and our 50 years of helping people in need in Appalachia.

Lexington Mayor Jim Gray read a Proclamation declaring April 9 as “The Christian Appalachian Project Day.” What a proud moment for all CAP donors, volunteers, employees, and board members — and what a wonderful tribute to our founder, the late Reverend Ralph Beiting. The documentary shows the evolution of CAP from the initial dreams of Reverend Ralph Beiting, to how the programs have thrived over the years, to where we stand today, functioning through a core Board of Directors and a President/CEO. Hand in hand with CAP donors, we touched the lives of nearly 50,000 people in need last year alone.

Through 50 years of growth and change, CAP has stayed true to our goal of being a helping hand for the people in need in Appalachia by providing food for the hungry and clothes for the less fortunate, visiting the sick, reaching out to people in need, offering our Parents Are Teachers and Infant/Toddler programs, being a shelter in a storm, and bringing joy and good cheer to families during Christmastime. CAP would like to give a special thanks to the 50th anniversary committee for their vision of a documentary; Dave Harl, a local producer, for producing this fine piece of cinema; Mrs. Rayann White for hosting the media reveal event; and special guest Mitch Barrett, a former CAP participant who opened the event with heartfelt Appalachian music.

The Christian Appalachian Project will strive to serve families for another 50 years and beyond through our mission of being an organization committed to serving people in need in Appalachia by providing physical, spiritual, and emotional support through a wide variety of programs and services.

The Documentary is scheduled to premiere on KET on May 12 at 9:00 p.m. and May 14 at 3:00 p.m.