“The patriotism displayed by Helping a Hero is a genuine inspiration.”
– JAMES A. BAKER, 61ST U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE
Photography by Sofia van der Dys
C O - C H A I R S : left to right, David & Stephanie Nini,
Dr. Carolyn Farb, hc and Chuck Jenness
Patriot Award Recipient
Laura Bush
Please join us for an inspiring HelpingaHero.org National Gala in Houston, Texas where we will
award 15 adapted homes to our severely wounded heroes injured in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Let’s Say “Thank You for your service in a tangible way!!”
HelpingaHero.org Gala - Changing Lives ... One Hero at a Time
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
5:45pm | VIP Reception and Photo Opportunity
6:00pm | General Reception & Silent Auction
7:00pm | Dinner, Awards Program & Live Auction
Hyatt Regency Houston | 1200 Louisiana | Imperial Ballroom
Patriot Award Recipient LAURA BUSH - Former First Lady of the United States
Cocktail Attire
ABOUT HELPING
A
HERO.ORG
HelpingaHero.org is a 501(c)(3) that restores lives and builds homes for
our severely wounded veterans injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. Each
adapted home helps our wounded heroes transition back into civilian
life, giving them the opportunity to live as independently as possible.
The funds you donate go directly to benefitting these wounded heroes
since HelpingaHero.org has no paid staff.
HelpingaHero.org has awarded 32 homes and has completed 26 to date.
The next group of proposed 15 homes, includes four triple amputees,
two of the 10 most severely wounded veterans, and a Marine with severe
burns over 80% of his body who is also an arm amputee. These and
many other heroes await the news that they have been selected as a
HelpingaHero.org home recipient. Your support can help make these
dreams come true! We also plan to award 11 homes in 11 states for
Veteran's Day 11-11-11.
2011 HELPINGAHERO.ORG HEROES:
SGT Carlos Evans, USMC – Triple Amputee
Cpl Jay Briseno, USA (Ret.) – Quadriplegic; Brain Stem
Injury
SPC Bradley Thomas, USA – Semi-Conscious TBI
SFC John Wayne Walding, USA – Single Leg Amputee;
Silver Star/Bronze Star Green Beret
SGT Rick Yarosh, USA (Ret.) – Burned over 70% of his body;
single leg amputee
HelpingaHero.org also provides these severely wounded heroes with
recreational support throughout the year including sports outings, hunting, fishing trips, etc... And HelpingaHero.org provides emergency financial support to hundreds of wounded heroes each year through its
Community Shower Gift Card program and Operation Merry Christmas.
For More Information visit www.HelpingaHero.org
Preview of 2011 Gala – Wounded Hero Home Recipients
Sgt. JD Williams - USA
Sgt. Williams served as a sniper with the
1-502nd Infantry Regiment based out of Fort
Benning, Ga. On his second tour of duty, he
was on foot patrol in Afghanistan when he
was injured by a land mine that catapulted
him over 20 feet in the air. He lost both legs
and an arm in the blast. Thoughts of his wife
and daughter helped him survive. Sgt.
Williams maintains a positive attitude stating "I'm not disabled...it may just take me a
little longer."
Cpl. Mark Litynski USMC
Cpl. Kendra Coleman - USA
Cpl. Coleman served as a military police officer and paratrooper with the 173D Special Troops Battalion, part of the
173D Airborne Brigade Combat Team. She lost her leg to
an improvised explosive device while on duty clearing a
village. Cpl. Coleman is currently in rehabilitation and is
assigned to a Warrior Transition Unit. Now using a prosthetic leg she says, “I almost feel like me again.”
Honorary Gala Co-Chairmen
The Honorable James A. Baker, III
While on duty in Afghanistan Cpl.
Litynski was serving as the point man
during a foot patrol sweeping for
improvised explosive devices. He
stepped on a pressure plate and
immediately lost both legs and an
arm in the blast. Cpl. Litynski is moving forward with his life. He and his
wife Heather plan on having a house
full of kids one day.
Gala Co-Chairmen
The Honorable George W. Strake, Jr.
Dr. Carolyn Farb, hc, Chuck Jenness, and Stephanie & David Nini
Host Committee
as of printing
Dorothy and Mickey Ables
Collizo Energy
Judy and Bob Allen
Frank T. Barr
Claudia and Roberto
Contreras
Jeb and Kim Bashaw
Steve Cope
Mary Elizabeth Mecom
Hahnfeld
Brandi and Keith Maxwell
Tommy and Isla Reckling
Carla and Steve Strake
Pamela Maxwell
Renee Renfroe
Dana and Trey Strake
CSM Larry Holland, USA (Ret.)
Jennifer and Dan Meaux
Congressman Michael
McCaul
Leslie and Gordon
Richardson
Samantha and Scott Sullivan
Carolyn Sullivan
Sara and Mark Benson
Kelly and Joe Coselli
Senator Kay Bailey
Hutchison
Gina and Dr. Devinder
Bhatia
Lezlie and Al Cuellar
Meredith and Marshall Iler
Danny McClung
Karen Roan and Jack
McClure
Carly Smith and JP
Testwuide
Elizabeth Ames Jones
Melanie and Mace Meeks
Ann and Hugh Roff
Deanda and Todd Thoman
Beau Bisso
Annamarie and Chris
Dewhurst
Rhonda Walls Kerby
Shelli Moran
Erik Saenz
Jim and Susan Thompson
Nelda and Jim Blair
Tricia and David Dewhurst
Lauren and Kevin Kilgore
Veronica and Dan Schiller
Gene and Joan Tulich
Congressman Kevin Brady
Judy DuBose and David
Swain
Melissa and Bill King
Teal and Captain Dan
Moran, USMC (Ret.)
Rita and Chuck Scianna
Astrid and Gene Van Dyke
Rex and Marillyn King
Kim and Chuck Watson
Susan Krohn
Sharon and William C.
Morris III
Rashmi and Sunny Sharma
Beau Egert
Danielle and Sami Shbeeb
Jo Lynn and Gregg Falgout
Margaret Alkek Williams
Vicki and John Brentin
J. Downey Bridgwater
Erin and Brett Busby
George P. Bush
Penny and John Butler
Debra and Mike Caliel
Johnny Carrabba
Honorable Trip Casscells
Clarence Cazalot
Christi Clancy
Robert Clark
Donna Cole
Leisl and Marion Leman
William F. Murdy
Chuck Simmons
Paige and Tilman Fertitta
Senator Tommy Williams
Cindy and Slade Lewis
Shannon and Mark Nini
LE and Ginny Simmons
Flowers By Nino
Obie O'Brien
Resa and John Wing
Diane and George Lindahl
Dana and Frank Smejkal
Doug Foshee
Captain Scott O'Grady
Mike and Carol Winkler
Gladys and Frank Lodzinski
Prissy and Ty Snelling
Judy Foston
Brenda and Jack Lord
Congressman Ted Poe
Loretta and Ronyld Wise
Paul Somerville
Wendy and David Fox
Jim Furr
Tricia Futcher
Congressman Gene Green
Rick and Michelle
Gremillion
Poetic Systems
Robin Wombwell
Lucinda and Javier Loya
Cora Sue and Harry Mach
Cody and SGT Eddie
Wright, USMC (Ret.)
Beverly and George Yeiter
Bob Potter
Keith and Sara Dodd
Spickelmier
Sherry and Joe Mackinnon
Carl Price
LTC Frank Stanley, USA
Kim and Robert Marling
Kelly and John Raley
Anne and Bill Stewart
Marietta Morris Maxfield
Guy Rankin
Brandi and Craig Stewart
PAT R I O T S P O N S O R S
A Friend of our Heroes
Azalea Charities
Spark Energy
EAGLE SPONSORS
Brandi and Keith Maxwell
Sim-Tex LP
FREEDOM SPONSORS
Tricia and David Dewhurst
Fred Higgins/Minut Mart
Meredith and Marshall Iler
Marillyn and Rex King
Marathon
North Shore Rotary
Isla and Tommy Reckling
Southwest Airlines
L I B E RT Y S P O N S O R S
Ampegy
Apache Corporation
Associated Pipeline Contractors
Barclays Wealth Management
CHRISTUS US Family
Health Plan
Eddie Gilbert
Encore Bank
HEB
Humana Military
Kirk Edmonds Foundation
Laurie and Tracy Krohn
S TA R S
AND
Gladys and Frank Lodzinski
John P. McGovern Foundation
Sherry and Joe Mackinnon
Janice and Robert McNair
Foundation
Jennifer and Dan Meaux
Sharon and William C. Morris
Stephanie and David Nini
Flowers by Nino
Page International
Carolyn Sullivan
STRIPES SPONSORS
American General Life Insurance
Dr.Carolyn Farb, hc
in memory of Jake Kenyon Shulman
Frank T. Barr
James E. Bashaw & Co.
FMC Technologies
Linda and Gene Dewhurst
Future Petroleum Company L.L.C.
Mike George
Melissa and Bill King
Marietta Morris Maxfield
Becky and Malcolm Morris
PLSX
Susan and Jim Thompson
Margaret Alkek Williams
in honor of Dr. Carolyn Farb, hc
PAT R O N S P O N S O R S
Dorothy and Mickey Ables
Judy and Bob Allen
Gina and Dr. Devinder Bhatia
Constellation Energy Group
Judy DuBose and David Swain
El Paso Corporation
Jo Lynn and Gregg Falgout
Michelle and Rick Gremillion
Sara and John Lindsay
Lucinda and Javier Loya
Candace and Will Kaparik
Ann and Hugh Roff
Wynne and Aimee Snoots
Triad Energy Corporation
Chuck and Kim Watson Family
Foundation
(As of printing)
S P O N S O R S H I P O P P O RT U N I T I E S
$ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0 P AT R I O T S P O N S O R
2 Platinum VIP Tables of 10
20 VIP Reception Tickets (10 Photos with Laura Bush)
Recognition from Podium and on all signage, press releases, etc…
2 seats at the Head Table
Name the person in whose honor the home is built
All benefits below
$50,000 EAGLE SPONSOR
1 Platinum VIP Table of 10
10 VIP Reception Tickets (5 Photos with Laura Bush)
Recognition from Podium and on all signage, press releases, etc…
1 seat at the Head Table
Name the person in whose honor the home is built
All benefits below
$2,500 PATRON COUPLE
$25,000 FREEDOM SPONSOR
1 Diamond VIP Table of 10
10 VIP Reception Tickets (3 Photos with Laura Bush)
2 VIP’s seated at your table (if desired)
Recognition at a home presentation and press surrounding home
Recognition in Program
$ 1 0 , 0 0 0 L I B E RT Y S P O N S O R
1 Gold VIP Table of 10
4 VIP Reception Tickets (1 Photo with Laura Bush)
Recognition at a home presentation
Recognition in Program
$ 5 , 0 0 0 S TA R S
AND
STRIPES SPONSOR
1 Silver VIP Table of 10
2 VIP Reception Tickets
Recognition at a home presentation
Recognition in Program
$5,000 PATRON WITH PHOTO
2 Gold VIP Dinner Tickets
2 VIP Reception Tickets
Recognition in Program
$1,500 VIP PATRON PACKAGE FOR ONE
1 or 2 Gold VIP Dinner Tickets
1 or 2 VIP Reception Tickets
One Photo with Laura Bush
Recognition in Program
$500 HELPING A HERO INDIVIDUAL TICKET
For More Information, please contact Meredith Iler 832-647-8683
N
ATIONAL GAL
H e l p i n g A H e r o . o r g
A
B E N E F I T I N G T H E WO U N D E D H E RO H O M E P RO G R A M • AU G U S T 3 0 , 2 0 1 1
TA B L E S P O N S H O R S H I P F O R M
NAME: ________________________________________
COMPANY: __________________________________
ADDRESS: _____________________________________
CITY, STATE ZIP: _____________________________
CONTACT NAME: ________________________________
CONTACT PHONE: ____________________________
(If different)
E-MAIL: _______________________________________
CELL: ______________________________________
______ Yes, We would like to participate in the upcoming Helping A Hero Gala and be part of the effort to
award 15 new homes to our severely wounded heroes injured in Iraq and Afghanistan.
o
o
o
o
$100,000 – PATRIOT SPONSOR
$50,000 – EAGLE SPONSOR
$25,000 – FREEDOM SPONSOR
$10,000 – LIBERTY SPONSOR
o $5,000 – STARS & STRIPES SPONSOR
o $5,000 – PATRON WITH PHOTO
o One or o Two Gold & VIP Rec.
o $2,500 – PATRON COUPLE
o $1,500 – PATRON INDIVIDUAL
# of Tickets _______
o $500 – FRIEND INDIVIDUAL
# of Tickets _______
o IN HONOR OF OR o IN MEMORY OF _________________________________________________________
______ We are unable to attend the gala, but we would like to support our wounded heroes with the following
donation: $_____________________________.
o Check enclosed
o Or below is my credit card information:
Amex/Visa/MC #: ________________________________ Expiration: ____________
*Helping a Hero is a 501(c)(3) organization. $75 per person is non-deductible for income tax purposes.
For more information, contact Meredith Iler 832-647-8683
Please mail form to address below or fax to 281.246.4324
Stephanie and David Nini | HelpingaHero.org
321 Pinehaven Drive, Houston, TX 77024
A MAZING AUCTION I TEMS – Here’s a Glimpse!
HUNTING TRIP FOR 2 AT THE LIL TOLEDO LODGE IN
CHANUTE, KS
3 Day, 2 night Turkey Hunt at the Lil Toledo Lodge
in Chanute, KS.
DINNER FOR 24 AT JOHNNY CARRABBA’S HOME
Once in a lifetime experience with a cooking demonstration by Johnny. This evening will include amazing foods
paired with great wines.
Alcohol Included.
FIRST CLASS TRIP FOR 2 TO GRAND CAYMAN
VALOBRA FINE JEWELRY AND ANTIQUES
Lady’s Bracelet made in 14K white gold, Featuring 72
Akoya Pearls (7mm) and 1.20 Carat of diamonds with a
filigree clasp.
WORLD’S GOLD AND DIAMONDS, INC., RUPANI
FOUNDATION
A Very Special 14K Gold Jewelry Piece.
ABRAHAM RUGS – A beautiful Rug.
AMERIGOS GRILLE – Gourmet Dinner for 12 in your Home.
CAROL DAVIS – Black Miniature Donkey.
CRAIG BIGGIO SIGNED BASEBALL and SIGNED
“THE LAST GAME” BOOK.
FLEMING’S STEAKHOUSE
3 liter bottle of Meeter hand print Merlot signed.
GITTINGS PORTRAITURE – 8x10 Imperial Portrait.
VIP GOLDEN NUGGET PACKAGE FOR 4
includes a One Hour Golf Lesson with Butch Harmon.
NEIMAN MARCUS
Three night stay, Deluxe room for 2 in Tucson, AZ or
Lenox, MA.
NORTON DITTO – Hickey-Freeman Blazer.
PULITZER PRIZE WINNING PHOTOGRAPHER
West Texas Cowboy photo – Pulitzer Collection.
SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
Lunch for 10 in 51 fifteen including a fashion
presentation and party favors.
STARK CARPET – 2 carpeted rooms and samples for display.
Live Auction conducted by: