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.
The March 1 event, which sold out before the end of last year, is split into two portions of both live and silent auctions. All the night’s proceeds go directly into one of its many programs: Stand by Me Mentoring.
“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.
“Each child is matched with a spiritual mentor 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.”
The program 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 retired jewelry pieces for a blind 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,” Hubbard said. “Stop thinking that someone else will do it. The church should be the central force in helping this world with poverty.”
Anthony Saenz, 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,” Saenz 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,” Saenz 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 Auckel and a live auction that included a four-day dove hunt in Argentina, a 10-day South African safari, and a trip to Disney Land.
“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.”
Additionally, HCDBM is working with HEB on a $10,000 challenge grant opportunity that will help the agency purchase a much-needed new forklift for our warehouse.
“This vital equipment will greatly enhance our ability to serve our community more efficiently,” Hubbard added.
To donate, visit their website: www.hillcountrydailybread.org.
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