Arrowhead Church Hosts Fundraising Banquet, Raising Over $174,000

A recent fundraising banquet at Arrowhead Church in the Lakeway Area raised over $174,000 for four non-profit organizations. The event, organized by the Friends of Missions (FOM), highlighted the community’s dedication to supporting local and international charitable efforts. The funds raised will significantly impact initiatives aimed at aiding those in need both at home and abroad.

Chad Gust, the founder of Friends of Missions, expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from the community. “We have such a giving community; you go to people and say, ‘I need you to give for this,’ and they step up,” Gust said. He reflected on the organization’s journey, which began with modest fundraising efforts two decades ago focused on mission work in Honduras.

Initially, Gust and his team organized yard sales to fund construction projects for a mission in Honduras. As the group’s efforts grew, they transitioned from yard sales to hosting annual banquets and even selling houses, allowing them to establish FOM as a formal 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. “Friends of Missions now raises around $400,000 annually for our supported organizations,” he noted.

Community Support and Impact

The annual banquet showcased the work of several organizations, including:

– **Nueva Esperanza**: A ministry focused on meeting the basic needs of children in poverty in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
– **Love Justice International**: An organization dedicated to stopping human trafficking at transit points.
– **Lakeway Foster & Adoptive Parent Association**: This association supports foster and adoptive families in the region while providing essential resources through the Lakeway Fostering Hope Closet.
– **Abundant Hope Ministries**: This organization offers addiction recovery programs and aims to foster relationships through a faith-based approach.

During the banquet, Abundant Hope Ministries was highlighted, with Executive Director Corey Leatherman sharing powerful testimonies from individuals who have benefited from their recovery programs. “God uses this in powerful ways. It is one of the few times in your life that you will have an opportunity to reach the youngest to the oldest, the nearest to the furthest,” Leatherman remarked.

He emphasized the transformative nature of community support, stating, “We can see lives be transformed. We can see children have a safe place to go. We can see families supported.”

The enthusiasm in the room was palpable as attendees expressed their commitment to the cause. Arrowhead Pastor Ben Shoun remarked on the significance of the community’s response. “What’s most powerful is the way that the stories are able to be told and the way people respond with open hands,” he said.

Looking Ahead

The event attracted a record number of attendees, prompting plans to expand seating for future banquets. Leatherman noted the impressive turnout, stating, “This is the biggest turnout that we’ve had,” and praised the community’s proactive approach to addressing local and global issues.

As the evening concluded, the atmosphere was filled with hope and motivation. “I think that just speaks to who we are as a community,” Leatherman said, highlighting the collective spirit of the Lakeway Area. With continued support, Friends of Missions aims to expand their impact, ensuring that their charitable efforts resonate far beyond their local communities.

The success of this year’s banquet underscores the power of community collaboration and the profound difference it can make in the lives of those in need.