“Each year, the AGAPE Gala gathers leaders, partners, advocates, and supporters who believe in the transformational power of hope, healing, and restoration. This year’s theme, ‘Revealed,’ celebrates the unveiling of purpose, the emergence of hidden strength, and the powerful truth that lives change when hearts and opportunities are illuminated.”

The 13th Annual AGAPE Gala, hosted by The SoulFisher Ministries, celebrates a remarkable evening of hope, resilience, and transformation. This elegant event brings together community leaders, advocates, and supporters who share a commitment to empowering individuals affected by incarceration. Through the gala, The SoulFisher Ministries highlights its mission to uplift and restore dignity to formerly incarcerated women, men, and their families. Attendees will enjoy a night filled with inspiring stories, impactful speeches, and meaningful connections, all in support of expanding access to education, workforce training, and essential support services. The AGAPE Gala not only celebrates the achievements of those The SoulFisher Ministries serves but also provides vital resources to further its transformative programs. This evening of purpose and passion reinforces a community dedicated to creating lasting change and providing second chances for all.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Dr. Tanya Patton

Superintendent, Riverview Gardens School District

Dr. Tanya Patton is in her 31st year in education and currently serves as Superintendent of the Riverview Gardens School District (RGSD). Prior to assuming this role, she served as Assistant Superintendent of Student, School, and Community Support. Under her leadership, the District’s academic performance has steadily improved, positioning RGSD just one point away from achieving full accreditation during the 2025–2026 school year. In addition to academic gains, the District has experienced a decrease in suspension rates and an increase in student attendance. These accomplishments have positioned RGSD on a strong path toward full accreditation in the near future.

Before joining RGSD, Dr. Patton served as an educator at Community School in Ladue and in the Peoria Public Schools. In 2001, she began a 20-year tenure with the Edwardsville School District, where she served four years as a middle school teacher and the following sixteen years as principal of two elementary schools. Dr. Patton’s leadership has always been grounded in care and compassion. She is known for telling parents, “We will do three things—love, nurture, and then educate your children—because children do not flourish where they are not loved.” Through more than three decades of service, Dr. Patton has positively influenced the lives of thousands of students, many of whom she continues to maintain relationships with today. She is frequently invited to high school and college graduations, weddings, and baby showers of former students—moments that affirm for her that she has done the HEART work that God placed her on this earth to do.

Throughout her career, Dr. Patton has received numerous honors, including Principal of the Year; the Educational Leadership Award from the NAACP; the Educational Leadership Award from the 100 Black Men of Alton; the Women of Distinction Award from the YWCA of Alton; the Women in Leadership Award from the Urban League; and the Apple for the Teacher Award from Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., among others.

Dr. Patton earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, an Educational Specialist degree, and a Master of Science in Educational Administration from Southern Illinois University–Edwardsville. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from her beloved HBCU, Harris-Stowe State University.

Dr. Patton has been married to her soulmate, Craig Patton, for 31 years and describes him as her “safe place and the love of her life.” Together, they have four children and eight grandchildren— seven granddaughters and one grandson.

SPONSORSHIP

Your sponsorship and participation will help support families that have been impacted by the criminal justice system. Your contribution supports our mission by:

Providing housing for formerly incarcerated women & men:
It will help continue our efforts to provide safe, supportive housing for women and men as they transition back into society.
Providing workforce development and classes for justice-involved people:
It will help fund our continued efforts to promote workforce development for men and women as they transition back into society.
Providing programming for youth with incarcerated parents:
It will help fund our efforts to break the school-to-prison pipeline through holistic after-school programming, preparing our youth academically, socially, and emotionally.

PREMIER SPONSOR

$50,000