Hill Country Daily Bread Ministries celebrated its 25th Vision Dinner Fundraiser over the weekend in style, with 1,000 diners and donors hearing of the good works the organization performs.
All proceeds from the March 1 event support the Ministry's reach into eight counties, including support for its Stand by Me and Family Mentoring programs.
“Our Stand By Me Mentoring program teaches leadership skills, the gospel and provides guidance to at-risk students K-12,” said Sarah Persyn, HCDBM communications specialist.
This program matches individuals with Christian mentors to help develop their faith and life skills, Persyn said. “We make sure that the program remains 100% free for the families by hosting events like this.”
Such programs -- just a sliver of what Hill Country Daily Bread Ministries to the 80,000 individuals served annually -- includes a summer camp designed to raise the expected outcomes for our mentees by creating opportunities for them to become leaders in the community, she added.
An expansive silent auction opened the night, where items were displayed for individuals to bid on. Notable items up for bid included a guitar signed by George Straight, a custom pair of $3,000 boots, designer bags from Chanel, a custom Bowie knife, Ted Nugent memorabilia and autographed Dallas Cowboy jerseys.
Participants were also welcome to try the wine and whiskey pulls. Food curated by chef Brian West was spread throughout the warehouse, from chili-cheese Frito pies and toasted brisket sandwiches to buffalo cauliflower and breaded quail wings.
The raffle of the night was provided by Chick-Fil-A and Whataburger, offering a year of free eating at any of their locations. Other companies, like James Avery, provided jewelry for the raffle.
After the silent auction, donors were led into the grandiose tent provided by Valero, where Agnes Hubbard, Hill Country Daily Bread Ministries co-founder, expressed her enormous gratitude to the participating companies and donors.
“David (Hubbard) and I started this ministry 25 years ago in a garage,” Hubbard said. “At the time, it looked impossible. I want to thank those people who financially supported us during that time. You mean more to us than you know.”
After thanking the many sponsors for the event, including the Vic Vaughn Family Foundation, H-E-B Hunger Relief, Billy’s Western Wear, and Boerne Radio, among others, Hubbard shared what she believes are the four most important words in the English language: “I will help you."
“Let us be the people who say, 'I will help you,'" Hubbard said. "Let us stand together, united and equipped, committed to work for a Hill Country that will be known for its love of Christ and love of our neighbor."
A graduate of the Stand by Me program took to the stage to share his testimony, which included his struggle in witnessing his mother endure domestic abuse.
“I didn’t know what to do,” Anthony said. “I couldn’t escape. I was struggling with my faith and in school. When I went to HCDBM’s Summer Camp program, I learned about God’s love and how I wasn’t alone.
“They (HCDMB) never judged me. When I came back from camp, I had a scholarship waiting for me,” he said. “I’m now a sophomore at Texas State University studying business. I am where I am because of you all.”
The night continued with auctioneer David Ackel and a live auction that included a four-day dove hunt in Argentina, a 10-day South African safari, and a trip to Walt Disney World.
“We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support we received at our 25th anniversary fundraiser,” Hubbard said. “Thanks to the generosity of our community, we have raised a significant amount, and donations are still coming in this week.”
To donate, visit their website: www.hillcountrydailybread.org.
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