After a quick stop in His Way Christian Books, a store in Pasadena, Millersville resident Pam Johnson ended up with much more than the gifts she was shopping for; she picked up a VIP trip to see Mercy Me, Toby Mac and Zach Williams, a Christian rock artist, in concert November 3 in Atlanta.
“I saw an advertisement for a Zach Williams concert giveaway at the store, so I decided to fill out an entry,” Johnson said. “A few weeks later, I learned that someone from Pasadena had won the trip, and then I received a phone call from the promoter. It was really exciting!”
Johnson was chosen out of entries from more than 200 Christian bookstores nationwide. She was excited to learn that she was going to see one of her favorite performers, Zach Williams, in concert, but learning of the win was just the start of the rare adventure.
Sponsored by Williams, the Christian music concert package included round-trip airfare and accommodations for Johnson and a guest from November 2—5. Those accommodations included spending money, concert VIP tickets, and a meet-and-greet with the performers that included a gourmet dinner prepared by celebrity executive chef Paul Fields.
The one-time San Quentin corrections officer turned chef and founder of the Salvation Army Napa Valley Culinary Training Academy, Fields partners with Williams to offer graduates of the academy, and their dinner guests, a special meal at many of the venues along Williams’ tour stops.
“All of the graduates of the culinary program were once homeless or coming from bad situations,” Johnson explained. “They learn cooking skills to get back on their feet. They are flown in just to prepare these VIP dinners.”
While in Atlanta for the first time, Johnson and her daughter Caroline explored the city by visiting the World of Coca-Cola, Zoo Atlanta, the aquarium and the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library. The Johnsons also took in a spur-of-the-moment second concert when they learned the Eagles band was in Atlanta for a stop on their “The Long Goodbye” farewell tour.
“The whole trip was just great,” Johnson added. “I would have never guessed when I filled out a ballot at His Way Christian Books that I’d ever win!”
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