Meet The Campaign Co-Chairs

BY KACIE RENFRO

Brittany and Rob Lawson not only believe in and actively support Christian Appalachian Project’s (CAP) mission, but they also live it. Guided by their faith and a strong sense of connection to the Eastern Kentucky region and people, Rob dedicates his time as a member of the organization’s board of directors, and Brittany has set her sights on supporting CAP’s programming.

The Lawsons chair the steering committee for RISE and Shine: The Campaign for Christian Appalachian Project. The goal of the campaign is to raise $95 million by 2024 to continue supporting children, their families, and seniors in Appalachia. Like so many of CAP’s dedicated donors, Rob and Brittany have witnessed how CAP’s programs change darkness to light and transform lives.

“We are so excited to introduce the RISE and Shine campaign to the public. We really believe CAP is doing God’s work in our own backyard,” Rob said. “If more people knew about CAP and the needs in Appalachia, then they would do something about it, too. We hope this campaign inspires people to participate in the life-changing programs and services of CAP, which restore hope to thousands of Appalachian children and families who struggle each day to break free from poverty.”

Brittany’s excitement was palpable as she described Rob’s connection to the region. As a native of Canada, her love for Eastern Kentucky began vicariously through Rob’s, who was raised in Appalachia: on that land and among its people.

“My passion comes from where I come from,” Rob said. “The truth of the matter is, Eastern Kentucky, Appalachia, is forgotten. There is a lot of help needed there. I’m a poor kid from Eastern Kentucky, so I get it; I understand the need.”

Rob added, “I also understand the unique perspective of people from Appalachia. You’ll never find a people prouder of where they’re from, which also makes it exceptionally hard to receive help, because they often don’t believe that the help can make a difference.”

The Lawsons’ ultimate goal is to support opportunities that increase self-sufficiency in Appalachia to ensure families have the resources they need to empower them. The goal of the RISE and Shine campaign is to take families one step closer to that reality.

Brittany explained, “We join others with anticipation that CAP’s already generous current donors and a host of new ones would declare support by committing funds that continue to advance the organization’s goals of reducing poverty, answering the needs for basic housing through repairing homes, feeding the hungry and food insecure, providing services to our elderly population, and resourcing youth empowerment through camps, education, tutoring, and mentoring.”

Grant Harned, campaign manager, concluded, “With Brittany and Rob at the helm, we are confident that RISE and Shine: The Campaign for Christian Appalachian Project will continue to flourish and make a lasting impact in the lives of the people we serve. Their dynamic and passionate leadership style never ceases to inspire, and we are immensely grateful for the privilege to work alongside them to build hope, transform lives, and share Christ’s love through service in Appalachia.”