The 2017 Fellowship of Christian Athletes Banquet will be held Thursday and for the organization's area representative Bill Ray, it marks the end of an era.
Ray will soon be retiring after 11 years, and though his employment officially began in 2006, his involvement with the Poplar Bluff FCA chapter started more than three decades earlier, merely one year after its inception at Poplar Bluff High School in 1972.
"I would like to use this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to the FCA over the years, either financially or with their time," Ray said. "I know I will be at future banquets, but this is the last one I'll officially be part of."
Ray plans to speak about the local history of the FCA program and its growth and impact throughout Southeast Missouri. He's going to touch on key people, events and progress the organization has made during the years, including the efforts of former Mules football coach Tom Telle, former girls tennis coach Kathy McManus and milestones such as when the FCA eventually became a co-ed organization.
The banquet will begin at 5:45 p.m. Thursday at The Conference Center behind Gamma Healthcare, Inc., with a meet and greet, silent auction and hors d'oeuvres. Guest speaker and FCA area representative for the Cape Girardeau area Mike Litzelfelner will speak about the organization's vision for the future.
The event is open to the public and Ray said while anyone is welcome to attend, he specifically invites those who have been involved with the program during the years.