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Banquets of Hope: How God’s Pit Crew and IALR Serve the Community Together

Banquets of Hope: How God’s Pit Crew and IALR Serve the Community Together

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.” 

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.”

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.
Inside IALR Podcast: Conference Center Tales – Building an Anniversary Special Series

Inside IALR Podcast: Conference Center Tales – Building an Anniversary Special Series

2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research main building. To celebrate, we will feature several guests who have been integral to the operation of this iconic facility over the last twenty years.

This third-anniversary episode features the two longest-tenured employees of both the Conference Center and all of IALR: Diana Parrish (Event Planner and Services Operations Coordinator) and Ellen Bass (Sales and Marketing Manager). From moving into the building and holding an event before it was fully completed to now hosting multi-day, international conferences, Diana and Ellen share their conference center story experiences and stories from the last twenty years. Throughout all those years, updates and technological improvements, Ellen and Diana highlight how the mission of the Conference Center remains the same: serve excellence and open IALR to the public.

  • Background and early career (00:44)
  • Nearing completion and moving in (02:51)
  • The first event/getting the word out & educating the public (07:09)
  • Catering challenges (10:24)
  • Megabytes Café (14:15)
  • Initial responsibilities and early events (18:20)
  • Trading spaces – how the building has changed (24:27)
  • Home to the Piedmont Governor’s School (29:18)
  • Conferences, baby showers, birthday parties, radio dance parties, weddings, Old McDonald’s Farm, oh my! (30:02)
  • Keeping up with the times (41:36)
  • Service Excellence (44:02)
  • Connecting the IALR Conference Center (48:01)
  • Renovating in 2020 (49:51)
  • Looking ahead twenty years (53:15)
  • Closing thoughts (56:22)

For more history and information and to view photos of the construction of 150 Slayton, please visit https://www.ialr.org/history/.

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CyberCon 2024

CyberCon 2024

Join leading experts and discover the latest trends and innovations in cybersecurity so you can protect your business.
Oh, and get a free lunch, too.

Registration is Free for all business and cybersecurity students!

Register Today

Who Should Attend?

Business owners, executives and managers who are concerned about the latest threats and vulnerabilities affecting businesses today. Experts will share cutting-edge strategies and technologies to enhance cybersecurity defenses and protect your criticaekabytel infrastructure. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to learn how your business could be vulnerable and some steps you can take to protect it.

ICC Hosts 1,000+ Guests at God’s Pit Crew Benefit Banquet

ICC Hosts 1,000+ Guests at God’s Pit Crew Benefit Banquet

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Conference Center recently welcomed over 1,000 guests for God’s Pit Crew’s annual benefit banquet. Spanning three nights, the event highlighted the impactful work of the organization and showcased the IALR Conference Center as Southern Virginia’s premier event venue.

God’s Pit Crew, a Danville-based nonprofit dedicated to providing relief to those affected by natural disasters and crises, chose the IALR Conference Center for its spacious and versatile facilities. This is the 13th year God’s Pit Crew has chosen the IALR Conference Center for its annual benefit banquet.

“It’s always a joy and a pleasure to work with the IALR Conference Center. There’s no other place where we would want to be to do our event. Everyone here works with us so well. It’s such a wonderful facility. The food is amazing. It is just a magnificent facility, and we are so thankful to have this in our community.” – Randy Johnson, God’s Pit Crew Founder

The main banquet took place in the Great Hall, a spacious 8,400 square-foot event venue capable of accommodating large gatherings. God’s Pit Crew brought in many of their own decorations, making the space their own.

The Conference Center staff filled the room with 42 60-inch round tables that could seat eight each, creating an inviting atmosphere for guests to enjoy their dinners and participate in the evening’s activities.

In addition to the Great Hall, God’s Pit Crew utilized the Atrium to welcome guests and sell merchandise. The Atrium provided a welcoming entrance for attendees and a convenient space for fundraising efforts, adding to the event’s overall success.

“Hosting events like the God’s Pit Crew banquet is truly an honor for us. With top-notch customer service, quality catering and flexible spaces, the IALR Conference Center is the ideal venue for memorable events of all types and sizes.” – Tracy Fink, Vice President, IALR Conference Center

Whether you’re planning a corporate conference, a community fundraiser or a special celebration, the ICC offers the ideal setting to bring your vision to life. Dynamic spaces like the Great Hall, Atrium, business conference rooms and Auditorium combine with exceptional service and amenities to ensure that every event hosted at the ICC is a success.

Contact us today to request a quote and discover how we can make your next event unforgettable.

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Conference Center Leader to Retire

Conference Center Leader to Retire

After 20 years of exceptional service to the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), Leslie Dobbins has announced her retirement from her position as Vice President of the Institute Conference Center, effective Jan. 31, 2024. Dobbins’ commitment to excellence has helped elevate the Institute Conference Center (ICC) to one of Southern Virginia’s most prestigious meeting and event destinations.

 “For over 20 years it has never felt like work because I absolutely love what I do every day. I believe in the mission, and I am beyond grateful to have had this incredible opportunity to work with so many capable and dedicated individuals.”  – Leslie Dobbins, Vice President of the Institute Conference Center, IALR  

Dobbins joined the ICC team in 2003 as Sales and Event Planner before being promoted to General Manager and then Director; she was named Vice President in May 2022. Her hospitality career spans 40 years and includes previous positions as Membership Development Director and Social Director for well-known hospitality organizations in Milwaukee and Louisville. Locally, she has served on the boards of the Danville Science Center, Smart Beginnings, Danville Concert Association and the Garden Club of Danville. Dobbins attended Sweet Briar College and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin. 

 IALR is indebted to Dobbins for numerous accomplishments, some of which include:  

  • Leadership and development of an experienced ICC staff who worked by her side for most of her tenure 
  • Cultivation of a high-quality food service provider 
  • Opening IALR’s on-site café, Megabytes  
  • Leading the ICC team’s creation of a meaningful holiday community service project for 14 years (Decorating the Trees for a Cause, followed by Wreaths for a Cause, raising a total of $157,333 for area non-profits) 
  • Managing the $2.8 million renovations of the ICC which began simultaneously with the pandemic 
  • Overseeing upgrades to the Charles Hawkins Building high bays 
  • Collaborating with Facilities to oversee the construction of the Rapid Launch Facility 

“Leslie’s dedication, attention to detail and commitment to excellence are pertinent factors in the success of the ICC. Her team members continuously strive to support the Conference Center’s function in the same way. During my brief tenure with IALR, I have grown to sincerely appreciate Leslie’s love for the organization, our mission and the community. She will be missed by all, and I wish her the best in future endeavors.” – Dr. John H. Hughes IV, Executive Vice President of Operations for IALR 

 Dobbins’ team also say they will miss their longtime leader. 

“Leslie is a hard-working and fair supervisor. She has held this team together like glue, and we are going to miss her terribly!” – Diana Parrish, Event Planner and Service Operations Coordinator at IALR

“Leslie is a great person to work for, or as she would always say, ‘we work together.’ I could not work for a better person; she is honest, has integrity and you always know she has your back and is very appreciative of the job you do.” – Ellen Bass, Sales and Marketing Manager at IALR 

“I give credit and thanks to the ICC team who have been integral in the growth and success of our department,” said Dobbins. “Professionally and personally, I am indebted to Diana, Ellen and Theresa (Lewis, Information Desk Specialist) for their unwavering dedication and support every step of the way.” 

Dobbins’ position, Vice President of the Institute Conference Center, will be posted on the employment section of the IALR website in the coming days.

Modern and Timeless: Inside IALR episode on Institute Conference Center

Modern and Timeless: Inside IALR episode on Institute Conference Center

“I can’t believe this building isn’t brand new. This is timeless.” 

That’s one of the most common sentiments that Vice President of the Institute Conference Center (ICC), Leslie Dobbins, hears from first-time ICC clients. Boasting dynamic, flexible spaces, the ICC can support events of all types and sizes, ranging from a single meeting with a handful of people to a multi-day conference with hundreds of people.

The seventh episode of “Inside IALR” focuses on the Institute Conference Center (ICC) with Leslie Dobbins, Vice President of the ICC. Boasting dynamic, flexible spaces, the ICC can support events of all types and sizes, ranging from a single meeting with a handful of people to a multi-day conference with hundreds of people. Other services included wrap-around support amenities like catering, technology offerings and event planning. While sharing stories from her 20-year career with the ICC, Leslie explains how the Institute Conference Center contributes to IALR’s mission of economic transformation.

Other reasons to listen: 

➡️ Anecdotes from the growth of the Institute Conference Center over the past two decades
➡️ The story of Megabytes Cafe evolving from a cafeteria for employees to a public restaurant
➡️ The ways that the ICC contributes to economic transformation

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Danville Art League Annual Spring Show

Danville Art League Annual Spring Show

The 36th Annual Spring Show from the Danville Art League, entitled “Seeing Things in a New Light,” is happening now! This exhibition will be in the IALR atrium through April 14. Come see the beautiful and diverse pieces that are on display. 

JUDGE: Michael D. Fels

Michael D. Fels is a practicing mixed-media artist and acting chair of the Department of Art and Art History at Elon University. Fels taught for ten years at The Pennsylvania State University before joining the faculty at Elon University 20 years ago.

Fels continues his exploration of art and its physical boundaries through both his teaching and his art making. He regularly exhibits both 2 and 3-dimensional works in materials ranging from steel, wood, glass, concrete and more. His art has been shown in places ranging from Taiwan, New Zealand, Chicago, DC and New York City.