Governor Greg Abbott was one of the featured speakers Saturday night as Hope for Heroes Texas played host to its second annual gala at the Bevy Hotel.
Hope for Heroes Texas, based in Boerne, is a nonprofit organization led by CEO Brad Cornell dedicated to providing prayer, support and weekend retreats to first responders who selflessly serve and protect their fellow Texans.
Abbott spoke to the 350 or so in attendance and honored the courage and bravery of first responders to protect their communities and their fellow Texans. The governor also thanked Hope For Heroes Texas for its hard work to honor first responders. “Our first responders work every
“Our first responders work every day to serve their communities, and their perseverance and bravery through countless moments in the face of danger is nothing short of heroic,” Abbott said. “The state of Texas will always support our first responders and law enforcement officers, and I thank Hope for Heroes Texas for the tremendous work your organization does to show the gratitude all Texans have for our first responders.”
Texas District 21 U.S. Representative Chip Roy, professional wrestler Bill Goldberg and Water-Stone CEO and Promise Keepers board Chairman Ken Harrison also were at the gala to support the cause. WaterStone is a Christian foundation that comes alongside givers, advisors and ministries to provide trusted counsel and innovative giving strategies. Its website states the organization believes generosity is the greatest act of worship.
Also speaking was Julio Cavazos, who was shot in the chin and while his partner, Miguel Moreno, was killed after responding a burglary call in San Antonio in 2017.
“That reminded everyone how quickly life can change when our first responders are trying to keep us safe,” Cornell said.
Cavazos now dedicates his life to bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community in honor of his fallen partner, information states, adding he is honoring his fallen partner by working to build trust in the community.
Cornell said the evening was a wonderful tribute to first responders and their families.
“It was an amazing evening,” he said. “Our first responders received several standing ovations. We also raised a lot of money for the cause.”
Cornell said he preferred not to disclose the actual amount raised through the auction and gala proceeds, but said it was “very successful.”
Among the items auctioned were a puppy and a three-generation guitar used by George Strait, son George Jr. and grandson, George Harvey Strait III.
“It’s all about our officers and first responders,” Cornell said.
At one point during the evening, Cornell asked all the first responders to stand and be recognized as heroes. He then asked all the spouses of those first responders to stand, saying they are the superheroes. Any military veterans in the room also were asked to stand and be recognized.
“It’s all about Jesus and walking with Him and how much our first responders mean to us,” Cornell said. “I think what we do touches their hearts.”
Since its founding in 2020, Cornell has honored first responders by bringing them to Boerne, recognizing them for their selfless acts of courage and heroism and thanking them by providing a weekend retreat for them and their families, including an overnight stay at the Bevy. He also hosts monthly first responder lunches and more.
Cornell’s motto is “Serving those who serve us.”
Accompanying that is his mission: “To enable a sense of personal accomplishment, empowerment and unity for our nation’s disabled heroes through exciting, fun activities and overall appreciation of the great outdoors.”
He said this year alone about 75 first responders and their families have been recognized through the weekend retreat program.
In January, Cornell was recognized as The Star’s 2021 Citizen of the Year.
“The nonprofit’s purpose is to bring first responders (police, firefighters and first responders) to Boerne and let them know we appreciate, respect and love our first responder community,” he has said.
The gala serves as a fundraiser so Cornell and Hope for Heroes Texas can continue to honor first responders and provide them with the weekend “thank you.”
Comment
Comments