By Brianna Stephens 

Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) announced the conclusion of the organization’s largest philanthropic effort, RISE and Shine: The Campaign for Christian Appalachian Project. The three-year campaign raised 124.2% of its $95 million goal, representing $117,966,787 in current and deferred gifts and commitments. These commitments will support efforts under four priorities: Standing with Appalachian Youth and Families, Meeting the Most Basic Human Needs, Building Strategic Partnerships, and Strengthening the Heartbeat of Volunteerism.    

“This comprehensive effort set forth a bold vision to serve more and serve better in Appalachia,” said Grant Harned, comprehensive campaign manager. “We are so incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support, prayers, and compassionate generosity from faithful partners all over the country who came together during this season to make a difference for the people we are blessed to serve.” 

Because of the campaign’s success since its inception in 2021, CAP has made great achievements toward our mission of building hope, transforming lives, and sharing Christ’s love through service in Appalachia. Those accomplishments over the past three years include serving 10,500 children and youth through in-school services, tutoring, mentoring, and leadership training through CAP’s Youth Empowerment Services, serving 13,595 participants through our food pantry network, expanding Operation Sharing’s partnership network by 53.2%, and hosting more than 1,000 volunteers each year to serve in CAP’s programs.  

“As a donor, I am proud to help support the campaign. As a volunteer, I am so excited for the people that we get to serve and the impact we are making through that service. As a person, I am excited about the opportunity we have to do something,” said Brittany Lawson, who co-chaired the campaign with her husband, Rob. “I am reminded not one person can do everything, but everybody can do something. We look forward to the next 60 years of CAP’s success of building hope in Appalachia.” 

In addition to the Lawsons, members of the Campaign Steering Committee included Mark Barrens, Adam Gross, Bob Hutchison, Holly James, Andrew Wegrzyn, and Amanda Wegrzyn.  

“With the success of RISE and Shine, CAP has been able to increase our impact in Eastern Kentucky,” Harned said. “As we continue to grow strategically and sustainably in our fourth strategic plan, launching in 2025, the prayers, support, and leadership of committed, mission-minded leaders will be crucial to CAP’s future impact in the lives of people and communities in Appalachia.”