09/06/2026
GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2026 AWARDS CEREMONY
*Long post, but it's worth it!*
[ TL;DR: We had a LOT to celebrate and be thankful for! ]
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Hosted by Dr. Walt and Tammie Mauldin, the Smoky Mountain Children’s Home (SMCH) celebrated two years of generosity, faithfulness, and commitment during its Awards Ceremony held Monday, July 27, at the Hyatt Regency Orlando.
During the ceremony, SMCH announced a significant gift: a $6.25 million building donated by Betty Madison-Ogle and Dr. Steve and Cheris Madison. A major fundraising campaign has been launched to raise $2 million to complete the interior of the facility, which will provide space for the Alpha School, therapy department, dining area, and the newly established Worship and Arts Academy. [Visit our website for more information here: https://smch.org/buildingforthenextgeneration/ ]
First Lady Lori Lewis and the International Women’s Council—Kaci Stewart, Shelly Dority, Sandra Kay Williams, and Charla Madden—were recognized for their support and partnership with SMCH.
The following were presented awards for their support throughout the General Assembly term:
Representatives from states and regions sponsoring cottages on the SMCH campus were honored for their ongoing commitment. Those recognized included:
Texas—Rob and Christal Bailey
Ohio—Dr. Derwood and Jean Perkins
Tennessee—Dr. Tim and Paula Hill
Missouri—Mike and Marsha Stigile
Illinois—Dr. Mike and Sonja White
Alabama—Tim and Rhonda Brown
South Georgia—Dr. Tony and Kathy Cooper
DelMarVa-DC—Tim and Jodi Cushman
Indiana—Barry and Kimberly Clardy
Virginia—Rick and Letha Whitter
Kentucky—David and Jan Jarvis.
Additional ministry sponsors recognized were Magnolia Auditorium/Media, Mississippi, represented by Tommy and Jessica Powell; and Alpha School, Heartland Region, represented by Chris and Teri Moody.
The Second Place Overall Contribution Award was presented to Ministry Center Church of God in Lebanon, Tennessee, led by Pastor Drew Eastes. The Overall Contribution Award was presented to Metropolitan Church of God in Birmingham, Alabama, led by Pastor Jason Browning. Special recognition was given to Scott Hagar and Jason Browning for providing funds that allowed SMCH young people to attend Tennessee Youth Camp this year.
States and regions are invited to renovate their sponsored cottages through a $200,000 renovation project. Commemorative Achievement Awards were presented to those who have completed their renovation projects: DelMarVa-DC, Tim and Jodi Cushman; Ohio, Dr. Derwood and Jean Perkins; Kentucky, David and Jan Jarvis; and Tennessee, Dr. Tim and Paula Hill. It was also announced that South Georgia, Dr. Tony and Kathy Cooper, and Alabama, Tim and Rhonda Brown, have completed fundraising efforts for their cottage renovations. In total, $1.2 million has been raised for cottage renovations!
The Christmas Offering Award honors churches that demonstrate exceptional generosity. The second place award was presented to Mt. Juliet Church of God, Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, led by Pastor Brian Varnell. First place was presented to Ministry Center Church of God in Lebanon, Tennessee, led by Pastor Drew Eastes. This marks the fourth time this generous church has received the prestigious recognition.
The Mother’s Day Offering, one of SMCH’s longest-running fundraising traditions alongside the Penny March, was also celebrated. Rose Hill Church of God in Rose Hill, Virginia, led by Pastor Tillman Branson, received second place honors, while Roan Street Church of God in Elizabethton, Tennessee, led by Pastor Jody Bewley, received first place.
Awards were presented to states and regions that provided the greatest financial support to SMCH during the 2024–2026 General Assembly term:
B through E State and Region Category:
1st Place - Minnesota, Lurdes Marcial
2nd Place - Rocky Mountain Region, Charissa Smith
A State Category:
1st Place - Alaska, Barbara McGirt
2nd Place - New Mexico, Stephanie Newcomb
Double A State Category:
1st Place - Arkansas, Jennifer Carver
2nd Place - California-Nevada, Jan Wright
Triple A State and Region Category:
1st Place - Missouri, Marsha Stigile
2nd Place - Indiana, Kimberly Clardy
Four Star State Category:
1st Place - Virginia, Letha Whitter
2nd Place - Kentucky, Jan Jarvis
Five and Six Star State Category:
1st Place - Tennessee, Paula Hill
2nd Place - North Georgia, Ora Hart
The overall State and Region Award was presented to Tennessee, represented by Paula Hill, for the highest total giving during the General Assembly term, with contributions totaling $1,140,235.51.
SMCH extends congratulations and appreciation to all Church of God states, regions, local churches, and supporters whose generosity continues to provide hope, care, and opportunities for the children and families served by Smoky Mountain Children’s Home.
