Emergency Ministries holds first annual gala

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas--Local nonprofit Emergency Ministries announced that Debbie Riddle, Texas House of Representatives, District 150, and Susan O’Donnell, KSBJ Program Director, will be speaking at their first annual Gala to be held at America’s on The Woodlands Waterway, Thursday, November 29.

Events of the evening include a silent and live auction, testimonials from Riddle, a former volunteer firefighter, and O’Donnell. Local pianist, Daniel Blanchard, will provide live music. Tickets for the Gala start at $100 per guest, and sponsorships are available ranging from $500 to $15,000.

Proceeds from the annual Emergency Ministries Gala will benefit the nonprofit group, who serve first responders with on-scene and behind-the-scene Crisis Chaplaincy through volunteer and paid chaplains. By increasing the level of donations received, Emergency Ministries will be able to increase their footprint and serve more first responders.

“In the most critical time of need, they help you. Then, we help them,” said Jill Foxworth, Administrative Assistant of Emergency Ministries. “The mission of Emergency Ministries is to ‘come alongside first-responders who experience extraordinary human events daily, and to offer them emotional and spiritual support services.”

Founded in December of 1998, Emergency Ministries has served the firefighters, paramedics and public safety professionals from 44 states in the United States, and 16 countries across the globe with its internet reach. Today, the primary focus is on 23 agencies operating in 28 counties in Texas, as well as 2 agencies operating in 15 counties in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. In total, these agencies are the headquarters for over 5,000 public safety and first-response personnel.

Emergency Ministries provides on-scene and ‘behind-the-scene’ Crisis Chaplaincy for emergency workers (first-responders). The emphasis is on Critical Incident Stress mitigation. Services are offered without regard to religious affiliation or lack thereof. The organization offers direct guidance, spiritual support, relationship, substance abuse counseling, suicide prevention, group sessions, and anything else required.

“Like the people we serve, we do whatever it takes to help,” said Foxworth.

To purchase tickets call or visit the Emergency Ministries website.