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Contact:

Cassie Smith 662-562-0100, ext. 1-231 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 3297 Highway 51 South P.O. Box 97, Senatobia, MS 38668

Baddour celebrates 30 years with gala

Senatobia, Miss., Apr 27, 2009 - The Baddour Center hosted its 30th Anniversary with a gala at the Hilton Hotel in Memphis on Saturday, April 25th.

“I have received nothing but positive feedback from everyone who attended the event- residents, employees, residents’ families, and other guests,” said Parke Pepper, Executive Director of The Baddour Center. “The evening was a reflection and celebration of Baddour’s past 30 years, and the men and women with intellectual disabilities that it has served and continues to serve, which almost totals 900.”

Over 600 people from all over the United States attended the gala. The evening’s festivities included a social hour, highlights of The Center’s history, family testimonies, recognition of each resident, performances by The Miracles, The Center’s nationally recognized choir, and concluded with a dance. Guests also had an opportunity to have their picture made by Terry Sweeney, owner of SweeneySouth Commercial Photography.

“We are grateful for the event sponsors,” Pepper said. “Their contributions, like so many others over the past 30 years, have enabled The Center to fulfill its worthwhile mission. We do not take their sacrifices lightly.”

The event was sponsored by FedEx, Lipscomb & Pitts Insurance, and two anonymous donors.

“The night’s theme was ‘Celebrate the Legacy: 30 Years of Hope,’” Pepper said. “The Baddour Center is a place where people with intellectual disabilities are empowered to be all that God created them to be, bringing hope to both residents and their families.

“That’s an amazing impact on an extraordinary population,” he concluded. “I am privileged to be a part of this historical event and look forward to the next 30 years.”

The Baddour Center is dedicated to providing a model residential community for adults with mild and moderate intellectual disabilities in an environment that promotes maximum growth mentally, spiritually, physically, socially, emotionally, and vocationally. For more information about The Baddour Center, contact Cassie Smith toll-free at 1.888.4BADDOUR, ext. 1.233, locally at 662.562.0100, or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or you can visit The Center at www.baddour.org.