You are invited to Volunteer Ministry Center’s 18th Annual Carry the Torch Luncheon, November 10, 2026, at the Knoxville Convention Center.

We are excited to announce that our 2026 featured speaker is renowned author, journalist, and New York Times Best Seller, Jeannette Walls. As a former journalist for New York Magazine and MSNBC, she is most recognized for her memoir, “The Glass Castle.” As Keynote for our premier event, Jeannette will share her story of an unconventional childhood, which included a nomadic family life marked by poverty and homelessness, as she emphasizes the importance of truth-telling and empathy.

Your reservation purchase includes access to our community Mission Fair beginning at 10:00 am followed by lunch at 11:45 am when we will hear from our Keynote Speaker. The event will wrap with a book signing and an opportunity to meet the author beginning at 1:00 pm.