Movie Producer and former Christ’s Home Children’s Services resident Nathaniel Deen was the special guest speaker at Christ’s Home’s Spring Fundraising Dinner held on May 15 in Warminster, Pa. Pictured, from left, are Jim McGovern, CEO, Christ’s Home; Jessica Deen, wife of Deen; Deen; George Zauflik, vice president of corporate relations, Christ’s Home; and John Bryant, chief governance officer, Christ’s Home. (Credit: Premium Event Studios)
Christ’s Home is pleased to announce that more than $100,000 was raised at their annual Spring Fundraising Dinner. This dinner also saw the return of Nathaniel Deen, a movie producer and former child resident at Christ’s Home, as guest speaker. Deen was the guest speaker at Christ’s Home’s Spring Fundraising Dinner in 2022.
The Spring Fundraising Dinner had a red-carpet theme and featured a Q&A session between Deen and John Bryant, Chief Governance Officer, Christ’s Home. Nearly 300 people were in attendance and heard Deen talk about his life story, his faith and the work involved in producing his film titled “Brave the Dark,” for Angel Studios. Monies raised at the dinner will help defray operating costs for Christ’s Home Children Services that are not 100% covered through government funding.
Deen’s film “Brave the Dark,” held its world premiere in January at The Fulton Theatre in downtown Lancaster, Pa. Starring “Chernobyl” and “Mad Men” actor Jared Harris and Nicholas Hamilton, the film is about Deen’s early life struggles and how Stan Deen, an English teacher and theater arts director at Garden Spot High School, in New Holland, Lancaster County, Pa., helped change his life for the better. His teacher’s unwavering support and kindness helped Deen find healing and a true sense of family during a tough time in his life. Inspired by his late teacher, Deen has enjoyed a career in the arts spanning three decades. Since its January release, “Brave the Dark” has grossed several million dollars nationwide and won the Overall Audience Choice Award at the Heartland International Film Festival.
Deen, originally named Nathaniel Williams, changed his last name to Deen and started The Stan Deen Foundation, both in honor of his teacher. The organization focuses on helping at-risk youth who have dealt with traumatic life events in the same way that Stan Deen helped Nate Deen.
“We were honored to have Nate Deen as our special guest speaker for this year’s gala. Nate’s journey is a testament to the mission we share,” said George Zauflik, vice president of corporate relations for Christ’s Home. “We are deeply thankful for the generosity shown that evening. The community’s support truly makes a difference for the children and families we serve.”
About Christ’s Home
In continuous operation since 1903, Christ’s Home is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization founded as a non-denominational Christian ministry serving disadvantaged children and senior adults. Christ’s Home is one of the few organizations in the country to offer an array of life-enhancing services to both disadvantaged children and senior adults. For more information visit: https://www.christshome.org.