On September 25, 2014, the Durham Rescue Mission hosted its 40th Anniversary banquet in a grand ballroom at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel, located off I-40 at Page Road in Durham, with 400 guests attending this landmark event.

Guests heard moving testimonies from men and women who mended their shattered lives with the assistance of the Durham Rescue Mission, and the Victory Choir performed several stirring songs. In addition, supporters, volunteers, staff, and residents shared how the Durham Rescue Mission has impacted the Triangle over the past 40 years.

In a special presentation in honor of the Durham Rescue Mission’s 40 years of service to the Triangle and Dr. Ernie Mills’ upcoming 70th birthday, Mayor Bell proclaimed November 16th as “Durham Rescue Mission Day.”

More excitement buzzed with an announcement by Chris Strickland, General Manager of Alsco Durham. This year, Alsco is celebrating 125 years of service since its founding. To commemorate this milestone anniversary in conjunction with the Durham Rescue Mission’s milestone of 40 years of service, Alsco presented Dr. Ernie Mills with a check for $25,000.00!

Surprised and humbled by both the proclamation and the donation, Dr. Mills said, “I am so very thankful for all the supporters and friends of the Durham Rescue Mission. From the beginning, God has blessed this ministry and used so many kind and generous people over the past 40 years to help make the Durham Rescue Mission what it is today. Gail and I are examples of how God can use plain, ordinary people to do extraordinary things! To God be the glory!”