Wealthy Theatre packed for inmate event

Wealthy Theatre holds more than 400 people, and on Thursday night, every seat was full.

Some people had to be turned away from the event which featured prison inmates spreading a message through broadband.

The prisoners were broadcast live from Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility , hoping to share information with Grand Rapids youth that will keep them out of jails.

"If there's any way I can help anyone, whether it be through a letter or just being here tonight, that's really what I'm living for," inmate John Venderville said.

Sammi Conway is related to one of the inmates spreading his message. James Churchill is in prison for 10 years for armed robbery.

Conway she although she couldn't get in to see him, she is glad he has stepped up to do something positive while locked up.

"I'm really proud of him for wanting to do this and reach out to the youth of not only Grand Rapids but America," Conway said. "To let them know that if you don't straighten up, that's what happens to you, and you miss life."

The project started as a dream, said Grand Rapids Police Lt. Ralph Mason. But the event was a huge success, he added, offering apologies to those who couldn't get in.

"We've got to do things to affect the young people in our community," Mason said.

But those who arrived too late and were turned away weren't mad.

"We could look (in) right here, and I guess we couldn't get in, so I ain't mad," Carla Dentmond said.

Mason said the police department plans on hosting other events like this in the future.

"If they had this program a long time ago, (there) would be a lot of people that wouldn't be in prison," attendee Patricia Bowman said.