Join us for Alternatives of KALAMAZOO 32nd Annual Autumn Gala!

Our Keynote Speaker:

Dr. Gary Chapman

As anyone who has attended one of his marriage conferences knows, Dr. Gary Chapman’s expertise in marriage begins with the success and failures he and his wife Karolyn have experienced in their marriage for more than 45 years. He is just the man to turn to for help on improving or healing our most important relationships. His own life experiences, plus over thirty-five years of pastoring and marriage counseling, led him to publish his first book in the Love Language series, The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts. Many of the millions of readers credit this continual New York Times bestseller with saving their marriages by showing them simple and practical ways to communicate love.

Since the success of his first book, Dr. Chapman has expanded his 5 Love Languages series with special editions that reach out specifically to singles, men, and parents of teens and young children.

He is the author of numerous other books published by Moody Publishers/Northfield Publishing, including Anger, The Family You’ve Always Wanted, The Marriage You’ve Always Wanted, Desperate Marriages, God Speaks Your Love Language, How to Really Love Your Adult Child, and One More Try. With Dr. Jennifer Thomas, he co-authored When Sorry Isn’t Enough, which introduces readers to the 5 languages of apology.

Dr. Chapman speaks to thousands of couples nationwide through his weekend marriage conferences. He hosts a nationally syndicated radio program, A Love Language Minute, and a Saturday morning program, Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman, both airing on more than 400 stations. Dr. Chapman and his wife have two grown children and currently live in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where he serves as senior associate pastor at Calvary Baptist Church.

Dr. Chapman holds BA and MA degrees in anthropology from Wheaton College and Wake Forest University, respectively, MRE and PhD degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and has completed postgraduate work at the University of North Carolina and Duke University.

FAQ

How will I receive the online link?

We will require your email address when you register so that we can email you the link on Thursday October 14, the day before the gala. Watch your email for more details as we get closer!

What if I can't make it on the night of the Gala?

That's okay! Although we would love everyone to participate on the same night, the nice part about a Virtual event is that viewing is flexible! Our link won't be active until October 15, but will remain active for an extended amount of time! Make sure you still register! After registering, please reach out to Marlene@alternativesofkzoo.org and let her know when you plan to watch the event. If you'd still like to host a Watch Party, she will be able to help you get that all set up!

Can I still participate if I live out town?

YES!! Virtual means you can participate from anywhere! We are so excited that everyone can participate this year even if you live in a different state!

Will I still receive a 'Gala in a Box' if I live out of town?

We will be providing boxes to anyone who is able to pick up their box from the Alternatives office on Wednesday October 14. If you live close enough, we will have your box here for you! We will have limited delivery options, but will only be able to provide this to local residents.

How will I donate?

We wanted to make this process as easy as possible this year! We will be providing an online link for everyone to access the night of the Gala and will also be providing all local attendees with our pledge sheet. Please donate in whichever way you feel comfortable. For those filling out a pledge sheet, we have instructions on the registration page for how to get it to us after the Gala!

Will there be a speaker this year?

With all of the adjustments that have had to be made, we unfortunately were not able to keep our scheduled speaker for this year. HOWEVER, we have a great presentation in store for you! Our focus this year will be more on Alternatives and the amazing things that are happening within our organization!

Please reach out if you have ANY additional questions!