Special Kids Therapy and Nursing Center raised over $128,000 at its largest Annual Friendraiser Banquet on Thursday, September 4, at World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro.

The event raised more funds for the nonprofit than ever before, eclipsing its previous record of $110,000 in 2013. The dinner was sold out with over 500 guests in attendance at the event presented by Demos' Restaurant and Peter D's as well as the Ramsey Family Foundation.

"Special Kids has been so blessed by this outpouring from the community," said Chris Truelove, executive director at Special Kids. "As we prepare to open our new therapy center this fall, the need is growing right along with the number of children we can serve. The LORD has been faithful to provide exactly what we need to care for His children in His ministry."

Guest enjoyed a performance by guest performer, Gordon Mote, blind pianist for the Gaither's Southern Gospel Band. Mote, blind since birth, proved to be a seasoned entertainer having previously shared the stage with such popular performers as Martina McBride, Alan Jackson, Rascal Flatts, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood and famed Grand Ole Opry star, Porter Wagoner.

Mote was joined at the piano by Special Kids' featured child, 3-year-old Christian Buchanan from Woodbury. Buchanan, the son of Lacey and Chris Buchanan, was born in 2011 with a Tessier cleft lip and palate and cleft eyes, leaving him only to be able to see light and dark. A year later, Buchanan's mother Lacey created a home-made video about his story that has reached millions of viewers and earned the pair over 230,000 facebook fans. Buchanan and Mote played 'Jesus Loves Me' together at the piano while banquet guests sung along to the familiar tune.

The Ramsey Family Foundation and Demos' Restaurant and Peter D's presented the event accompanied by supporting sponsors AdamsPlace, Murfreesboro Medical Clinic and Surgicenter, and Ben Phillips with Northwestern Mutual. Underwriter sponsors included Tri-Star Title and Escrow, TNT Battery, Tennessee Pediatrics, and Beverly Davis with LPL Financial. Demos' Restaurant and Peter D's joined forced to provide a delicious dinner for guests for the eighth year in a row.

What is Special Kids?

Special Kids is a Christian therapy and nursing center for children with special needs. The Murfreesboro-based ministry started with one child in 1998 and has grown to serve over 2,700 children from 18 counties in middle Tennessee. For more information on Special Kids, please visit specialkidstn.com or call 615.893.4892.

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Ginger Spencer with Special Kids