Freedom Charity Ball closes 2026 convention with light and celebration
The Night of a Thousand Lights brought generations to one table for music, ballroom dancing, a live auction and the presentation of the Humanitarian Award.
CORAL SPRINGS, FL. Gold gowns, sequined jackets and formal wear filled the ballroom Saturday as the Freedom Charity Ball brought the 2026 convention to a close.
Presented under the theme Night of a Thousand Lights, the annual gala gathered guests from across the week’s program for dinner, music, an awards presentation and dancing. Children and teenagers joined parents and elders at the tables, giving the final evening the same multigenerational character seen throughout FreedomGRC.
Music welcomes the room
A string quartet opened the evening beneath the illuminated event screen. The restrained performance suited the candlelight and white floral centerpieces as guests arrived, greeted friends and found their seats.
The formal setting did not make the room feel distant. Families paused for portraits, children played with photo props, and friends moved between tables before the program began. One group gathered 14 relatives from three generations around two seated elders for a family photograph.
Scenes like that family portrait captured the purpose of the closing night. People who had spent the week in separate workshops and age groups were together again, this time in celebration.
Humanitarian Award honors years of service
Bishop Rudolph Francis and Apostle Dr. Yvonnette Francis received the 2026 Humanitarian Award. Chief Apostle Dr. Sandra Mitchell joined the couple for the presentation.
The award recognized the Francises for sustained humanitarian and ministry service. Their presentation became one of the evening’s most significant moments as the ballroom rose to acknowledge their work.
The Charity Ball also included a live auction supporting FreedomGRC’s charitable work. That work includes the annual back-to-school effort, community partnership in Coral Springs and mission activity in Haiti.
Support FreedomGRC’s charitable work
Champions take the floor
Jerry and Virginia LeNoir brought theatrical ballroom dancing to the center of the room. The couple are three-time United States Theatrical Ballroom Champions and four-time undefeated Fred Astaire National Cabaret Champions.
Jerry LeNoir entered in a white dinner jacket, with Virginia LeNoir in black. Their performance gave guests a close view of the control, timing and partnership behind championship ballroom dance.
After the featured performance, guests took their own turn on the dance floor. The formal program relaxed into an evening shared among friends and family, with the ballroom remaining active well after dinner.
Looking toward the next gathering
The 2027 Freedom Charity Ball will be presented as The Homecoming on the final evening of Get Ready 2027. The ticketed banquet will again close the convention after four days of family programming, worship and community events.
Learn about the Freedom Charity Ball · Read the FreedomGRC 2026 convention report
