top of page
.png)
Meet Our Guests and Performers
An Evening of Giving Thanks
We are honored to welcome a special group of guest speakers, musicians, and performers to our inaugural An Evening of Giving Thanks.
Each brings something unique to an evening centered on faith, gratitude, community, and creating opportunities for students across Southeastern Kentucky.
Saturday, November 7, 2026 • 6:00–9:00 PM
Sacred Heart Catholic Church • Corbin, Kentucky
Featured Guests & Speakers
Jeff Sheppard
Financial Advisor
Guest Speaker
Jeff Sheppard met Family Wealth Group founder, Kevin Metzler, through a Christian Businessmen's Association in 2007. He became a client of Family Wealth Group a few years later.
As a two-time national champion for the University of Kentucky Basketball team, Jeff acknowledges the importance that teamwork played during those memorable times in his life, and it's the same spirit of teamwork that he now applies to his work at Family Wealth Group.
Jeff is a Financial Advisor and co-owner with his business partner, Donald Bentley. For the past 12+ years, he has been working with clients at offices in Lexington, Georgetown, Harrodsburg, London, and Somerset, KY to implement the comprehensive holistic planning that is at the foundation of Family Wealth Group.
In his spare time, Jeff enjoys spending time with his wife, Stacey, a former Lady Cat basketball player, their two children, Madison and Reed, and the newest member of the family, their grandson, Shep. They are active members of the Faith Assembly of God in London, KY, where they reside with their dog Willow.
We are grateful to welcome Mr. Sheppard to our inaugural Evening of Giving Thanks.
Shane Baker
Kentucky State Representative
Guest Speaker
R. Shane Baker is a Kentucky State Representative, community leader, and advocate for the people and families of his district. A lifelong believer in the importance of faith, family, freedom, and service, Baker has dedicated his public life to representing his constituents with integrity, conviction, and a commitment to making Kentucky a better place to live, work, and raise a family.
As a member of the Kentucky General Assembly, Baker works to advance policies that strengthen families, protect individual liberty, encourage economic opportunity, improve education, and preserve the values and traditions that have made Kentucky strong. He believes government works best when it respects the rights of individuals, empowers families and communities, and remains accountable to the people it serves.
His faith plays an important role in his approach to life and public service. Baker believes leadership should be guided by humility, honesty, compassion, and a willingness to serve others.
He and his family are proud to call Pulaski County home.
We are grateful to welcome Mr. Baker to our inaugural Evening of Giving Thanks.
Tiera Pennix
Head of School, Somerset Christian School
Guest Speaker
Tiera Pennix serves as Head of School at Somerset Christian School, a Christ-centered school serving students from preschool through 12th grade in the Lake Cumberland region. Somerset Christian School is committed to helping students discover their full potential in Christ while preparing them to lead, serve, and thrive.
Ms. Pennix holds a special place in the early story of the Southeastern Kentucky Faith-Based Scholarship Fund. Somerset Christian School was among the first schools to partner with our organization and welcome the opportunity to help make faith-based education more accessible to families in our region.
We are grateful to welcome Ms. Pennix to our inaugural Evening of Giving Thanks.
Live Entertainment
Ellie Doolin
Vocalist & Actress
She is a 13-year-old eighth grader who loves to travel, shop, and express herself through fashion and makeup. She is a talented singer and actress who loves being on stage and entertaining others. She especially enjoys exploring new places and making memories along the way. Her biggest dream is to become a professional singer and share her love of music with the world.
We are grateful to welcome Ms. Doolin to our inaugural Evening of Giving Thanks.
Trevor Briscoe, MD
Featured Pianist Extraordinaire!
Dr. Trevor Briscoe is a local ophthalmologist dedicated to helping members of his community protect and improve their vision. Outside of medicine, he enjoys playing tennis, hiking, and sharing his musical talents through the piano. He regularly plays the piano at his church and is delighted to share his gift of music as a featured pianist at this year's Gala.
We are grateful to welcome Dr. Briscoe to our inaugural Evening of Giving Thanks.
Alexys Acob
Harpist
Alexys is a seventh-grader at Cornerstone Christian School with a passion for music and serving others. A talented harpist and pianist, she enjoys sharing her gifts at church, community gatherings, and special events. She is also the young entrepreneur behind Alexys Harp Strings and Keys, offering live music to make celebrations even more memorable. Outside of music, Alexys loves skateboarding and playing volleyball. She hopes to pursue a career in medicine someday while continuing to grow her faith, education, and love of music.
We are grateful to welcome Ms. Acob to our inaugural Evening of Giving Thanks.
Blakely Callahan
Vocalist
Blakely Callahan is a trained vocalist, dancer, and performer with experience in musical theatre, live events, and special performances. She has had the opportunity to perform on national television and on the Miss America stage, as well as at events across Kentucky. Blakely brings confidence, energy, and heart to every performance and loves using the arts to connect with and inspire audiences.
We are grateful to welcome Ms. Callahan to our inaugural Evening of Giving Thanks.
Reed Elliotte
Vocalist & Guitarist
Reed Elliotte is a 16 year old rising star! He is a singer, musician, and actor who loves southern gospel and traditional country music. He recently completed training at New York Performing Arts. Reed will be releasing his second CD this fall.
We are grateful to welcome Mr. Elliotte to our inaugural Evening of Giving Thanks.
bottom of page