Could you serve 490 people in just eight minutes? Well, God’s Pit Crew and the IALR Conference Center can!
On March 21 and 22, God’s Pit Crew hosted their 2025 Benefit Banquet at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Conference Center. Not only did they serve 490 people in under nine minutes one night, but they did it two nights in a row. Nearly 1,000 volunteers and attendees participated between the two nights.
“It’s almost a week’s worth of setup on our part,” Randy Johnson, Founder of God’s Pit Crew, said on a recent Inside IALR podcast. “We are so thankful that the IALR Conference Center is so gracious and helps in any way that they can to make this an incredible event for us. It just wouldn’t be possible for us if it weren’t for the conference center here.”
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The story of God’s Pit Crew
When sitting at home in Danville watching the people of Oklahoma get torn apart by the Bridge Creek-Moore tornado, Terri and Randy Johnson knew they had to help.
In 1999, with the help of some friends, they were able to fill three tractor-trailers with supplies to help the people of Oklahoma. This marked the beginning of God’s Pit Crew and their first relief.
Since then, they have responded to more than 200 natural disasters by providing supplies, cleaning up damage and debris and even building new homes for those who lost theirs.
“Having been through a natural disaster myself, I know how much it means just to have people show up and care,” IALR Conference Center Vice President Tracy Fink said on a recent episode of the Inside IALR Podcast. “When I walked out of that destroyed building, people immediately asked, ‘Can I help? Can I give you water?’ That kindness in a moment of shock is something you never forget. What God’s Pit Crew offers, whether it’s building homes or simply being present, is a powerful gift.”
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A Memorable Yearly Event
As a non-profit, God’s Pit Crew receives most of its income through donations. One of the ways they obtain funds is through their annual benefit banquets at the IALR Conference Center. These events raise thousands of dollars through ticket sales, with all proceeds going toward helping those in need. In addition to fundraising, the banquet also showcases the impact of their work, featuring powerful video testimonials and stories that highlight how their relief efforts have transformed lives.
It takes God’s Pit Crew an entire week to transform the Conference Center’s Great Hall. Bringing their own lights, camera, screens and hand-designed backdrops, God’s Pit Crew converts the space to truly make it their own.
“One of the great things about the IALR Conference Center is it is so versatile that if we wanted to have an event and not bring anything, we could. But if we want to bring additional products and stuff to make it bigger or make it the way we want it, you all have been very gracious to work with us.” – Randy Johnson, God’s Pit Crew Founder
God’s Pit Crew used the atrium for merchandise tables including t-shirts, CD’s and stuffed animals, and some Blessing Buckets for donations, supporting God’s Pit Crew.
With such a versatile and flexible space, the Conference Center offers a suitable venue for any trade shows or vendors. It has the space to accommodate business needs in a modern, functional environment with advanced technological capabilities.
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