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October 5th – 7th, 2023

Cherish Conference is designed to take each woman to the next level in their personal life and relationship with God. Our Cherish Conferences are known to fly in the world’s best speakers. We pull out all the stops, and truly make this event one of the highlights of every woman’s year!

Life-changing, destiny-altering moments are commonplace at our Cherish Conferences. What is deposited in the heart and spirit of women when they attend Cherish Conference is too great and profound to put into words–it has to be experienced! This event, quite simply, changes lives.

Leanne Matthesius

CONFERENCE HOST

Leanne’s ministry style is wonderfully feminine, and refreshingly humourous. She moves powerfully in the anointing seeing many released and set free from the bondage and limitations keeping them from becoming all that God has designed them to be.

Leanne uses personal stories and testimonies to connect with people on a very real level. Her prophetic insight and practical down to earth ministry style will ensure her audience is refreshed, equipped and empowered to take on all that life has to offer.

Danny Gokey

MUSICIAN & RECORDING ARTIST

As a Top-3 finalist on Season Eight of American Idol, Danny Gokey quickly became a favorite of millions. Following Idol, Gokey dropped his first album, My Best Days, which debuted at #4 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart. Since that time, Danny has celebrated a series of #1s including his follow up album releases Hope In Front of Me, Rise, Haven’t Seen It Yet, and holiday albums, Christmas Is Here and The Greatest Gift. Spawning singles like “Hope In Front of Me,” “Rise,” “The Comeback,” “Love God Love People,” and RIAA Certified Gold singles “Tell Your Heart to Beat Again” and “Haven’t Seen It Yet,” Danny has cemented his place on the radio charts with multi-week, multi-chart top-ten runs in the United States, Canada and now Latin markets with his Spanish singles. He has been honored with three Grammy nominations, three wins as KLOVE Male Vocalist of the Year, two Dove Awards and numerous Dove Award nominations.

But it is the power of music to provide purpose and direction, especially in the most trying times, that has shaped Danny Gokey’s life and driven his career. Born and raised in Milwaukee, WI as one of six children, Danny grew up in a household where music played an integral role and remained a constant through both triumph and heartbreak. It sustained him through the death of his first wife, Sophia, and is what inspired him to take the stage on American Idol. With the platform the show afforded, Danny aspired to mix hope and entertainment in a way that would truly make an impact. He went on to found Sophia’s Heart in honor of his late wife, which later became Better Than I Found It, a nonprofit organization committed to supporting other nonprofit organizations who are making a difference in their respective communities. Life as an artist often means busy schedules and time on the road away from home, so Danny cherishes every moment he gets at home with his wife, Leyicet and their four beautiful children, Daniel (8 yrs), Victoria (6 yrs), Gabriel (3 yrs) and Emanuel (18 mos). Still, he is excited for this season of new music and continuing to share hope and encouragement with his listeners!

Gillian Burchell

CHAMPIONS CHURCH | UK

Gillian Burchell is a wife, mom, and Pastor. She has three children and four grandchildren and along with her husband, Mark, has been leading Champions Church in the West Midlands, UK for 34 years.

She has a contagious passion for God's Church and a desire to see people become all they were created to be. Her ability to communicate, whether through a microphone or a book continues to lift people's lives to another level.

Shinobu Carmichael

ARISE CHURCH | HAWAII

Shinobu and her husband Evan are the Senior Pastors of Arise Church in Hilo, Hawaii. Having grown up as a "Pastor's Kid", she has essentially grown up in the church and is passionate about reaching people for Christ and seeing them maximize their God-given potential.

They have three amazing children and live on the big island of Hawaii!

Aubrey Matthesius

DREAM CITY CHURCH | PHOENIX, AZ

Aubrey Matthesius and her husband, Ash, are the campus pastors at Dream City Church Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona. Aubrey is also the director and visionary behind Splendid Women’s Ministry, which hosts the annual Splendid Conference and draws thousands of women from different backgrounds, ages and lifestyles. Aubrey is passionate about impacting the next generation of young people through relevant teaching about what God’s word has to say in today’s culture.

With a background in marketing and social media, Aubrey had the privilege of hosting and producing the Hope Heroes television show, which aired weekly throughout the state of Arizona, telling stories of Dream City Church’s impact on the community. This December, Aubrey and Ash are excited to welcome the arrival of their first born son, Joel Matthesius.

Marissa Pyle

HIGH SCHOOL & YOUNG ADULTS PASTOR

Marissa and her husband Sterling are the High School and yYoung Adults pastors of Awaken Church. She is what you’d call a “daughter of the house” being that she’s been a part of Awaken Churchsince she was 16 years old. The Pyles live in San Diego with their newest addition, Kayce Wyn Pyle.

Her passion is to see people discover who God created them to be and step into their God-ordained greatness!

Natalie Contreras

PATHFINDERS DIRECTOR

Natalie and her husband Marco are Pastors at Awaken Church, overseeing Pathfinders San Diego and Vision Builders.

Together they have built businesses, ran for public office, and have 18 years of ministry experience in the local church. They are OBSESSED with building the House of God and serving His people is their greatest passion and desire. They believe that the power of God is available to every believer to unlock their highest potential and release them into their destiny. Their individual stories of generational breakthrough are living proof that anything is possible!

Born and raised in San Diego, Natalie married her high school sweetheart and they are raising their two children, River & Harper, in the world’s most beautiful city at the world’s greatest church!

Shelly Grever

MISSIONS PASTOR at Awaken Church

Shelly serves as the Missions Pastor Executive of Awaken Church. For over 21 years she has focused on raising up missionaries and sending them into the nations to release transformation. This mandate has brought her to over 20 nations and during this time she pioneered a thriving bible training center in Mongolia, that equips pastors and leaders for a nation who has only known the gospel for roughly 30 years.

She carries the message of freedom to see people set free from the bondages and limitations keeping them from becoming all that God has designed them to be. Pastor Shelly is passionate about nations, people and enjoying life with the incredible people around her.

THURSDAY
12pm – Hotel Check-in opens
4:30pm – Conference Check-in opens
4:30pm – Welcome Party Reception
6:30pm – Session starts

FRIDAY
7-8:30am – Breakfast (Corked Courtyard)
7:30am – Prayer
8:30am – Morning Sessions
12:30pm – Afternoon Break

12:30pm – 1:30pm – Breakout Session (optional)
“Teach Me How To Live”
on Friendship, Parenting, and Marriage
Located in Ballroom

6pm – Evening Session
8:30pm – After Party “Cirque Du Cherish”

SATURDAY
6:30am – Cherish 5k Check-in
7am – Cherish 5k Start
7-8:30am – Breakfast
7:30am – Prayer
8:30am – Doors open
9:00am – Session starts
1pm – Conference Finishes

The Cherish 5K will take place on the Nature Trail (exit Resort Lobby/Valet entrance, walk across the parking lot to the Nature trail entrance.)

We will have check in for the 5K open on Thursday at the registration table in the Event Center beginning at 4:30PM . Cherish 5K will begin at 7AM on Saturday, we will have check in available at 6:30AM on the morning of as well. 


Cherish 5K Registration
  • Text “Cherish5K” to 55525 to register
  • Cost $39
  • 5K is on-site at Harrahs check in begins at 6:30AM 
Cherish 5K sponsor
  • Text “Cherish5kSponsor” to 55525
  • Want to sponsor an item for Cherish 5K? Text the keyword above for more info



The hotel has graciously opened up Check in to begin at 12PM you are able to check in whenever you’d like. If you are rooming with multiple ladies- ensure that all the names are on the reservation prior to showing up so that you are able to all get pool passes for pool access. Call ahead to avoid lines!

Check out is 11am on Saturday- Plan ahead and try to check out early before session so that you don’t miss a minute of conference! We will have a room for your luggage in the Event Center in TEC Room 1-4.

What do I need for Check In?

You will need a QR Code to scan at check in, which is attached to this email and your confirmation page.  Each Attendee will receive a conference bracelet the duration of the conference  Any hotel questions please direct to Harrahs Hotel (awaken church does not take care of accommodations with hotel) 

All attendees must always wear their bracelet  If you lose your bracelet you may purchase another bracelet at Check in for $5. You will need your bracelet on at all time for event access, and for party access

As women, I’m sure your conference outfits are already in the back of your mind! Here’s a little guide to help. Conference attire is smart/casual. Don’t forget to plan on a later night on Friday Night… It’s our Annual Cherish After Party.

This year’s theme isCirque Du Cherish!” This is happening straight after the night session and will be outdoors in the courtyard. So Come dressed in your  “Circus Chic” Best!!! Bring out the colorful, bright, outfits ladies!

After Party: For outfit inspo text CherishAfterparty to 55525

We will be providing light appetizers and refreshments at Thursday Welcome Party refreshments on Friday After Party in the Corked Courtyard. As well as breakfast on Friday & Saturday Morning. We will have breakfast burritos, boxes, and coffee available for grabs.

Please plan for additional meals- here are a list of the restaurants on site at Harrahs: https://harrahssocal.com/dining



The Dive Pool is available to all guests- however if you are staying at the Resort- you can pick up your pool pass at check in. IF you are not staying at the Resort you will need to purchase a Pool Day pass at https://harrahssocal.uvtix.com/ 

Day Passes include the Lazy River- you are able to bring your own pool floaty. Tubes are not included in the Day Pass or Pool Pass.  Tubes cost $20-40 based on size on site at Harrahs Dive Pool Store. We suggest you bring your own!! 

The Dive Pool has a 21+ section and a family section. 

Minors (12-17) that are in the family section must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

Harrah’s resort has a free onsite parking structure and guest parking lots. There is Valet for purchase at the West Entrance- follow south resort drive and the Valet parking signs. 

Electric Car Charging Stations– There are electrical car charging stations, however guests that own a Tesla will require to bring their adapters.

Is there childcare?

There is no on-site childcare. This conference is for 12 years+. Infants that are nursing are welcomed, we will have a designated nursing mom’s room.

I can’t attend. Can I transfer my pass to someone else?

If you are wanting to transfer a ticket to a friend, you can go to brushfire.com and click edit on your ticket. From there, you can change the name, phone number, and email to your friends information and it will be transferred to them!

All Awaken Event tickets are non-refundable. However, we are able to transfer your ticket to a woman of your choosing!

If you purchased your ticket under a payment plan, all payments are due no later than September 16. 

What to do if I’m bringing a minor aged 12-17?

Minors will need adult supervision at all times for the duration of Conference since we are at Harrah’s Resort & Casino. Minors will not be able to walk around unattended without a parent or guardian while on the property.

What do I need for Access to Event?

All attendees must always wear their bracelet  If you lose your bracelet you may purchase another bracelet at Check-in for $5. You will need your bracelet on at all time for event access, and for party access

CONFERENCE LOCATION

Harrah’s Resort in SoCal

**Conference Registration DOES NOT include accommodation.

This year’s conference is held at Harrah’s Resort which is tucked away in the beautiful northeast corner of San Diego County! All Three Days of our Cherish Conference will be held on-site at the resort.

 

777 HARRAH’S RINCON WAY, FUNNER, CA 92082

BOOK YOUR ROOM

Questions pertaining to hotel,
please call Harrah’s Resort
760-751-3100

ADULT

Adult Registration

$239/person

MIL/SNR

Military & Senior Registration

$199/person

YOUTH

Youth Registration

$179/person