This year’s Spirit of a Hero Gala carried deep meaning. We themed it “Welcome Home” to honor a moment in history that was never properly acknowledged — the return of our Vietnam Veterans. It has been 50 years since they came back from war and 60 years since they were first deployed. Unlike other Veterans, they were not welcomed home with respect. So we decided to do it right, by honoring 16 Vietnam Veterans during a powerful and emotional night.
Our guest speaker, Sergeant Travis Mills, had the entire room laughing, reflecting, and completely engaged. As one of only five surviving quadruple amputees from the war in Afghanistan and a member of the 82nd Airborne, his message was unforgettable. If you’ve never heard his story, we encourage you to look him up. His strength and Spirit truly captured what this night was about.
We had around 250 guests join us for an evening full of fun, purpose, and community. The event featured an open bar, a full casino night, and a high-stakes game of heads or tails with a $1,500 prize including a Yeti cooler, cups, and an OtterBox. We even let guests buy back in halfway through, which made it even more exciting.
Our silent and live auctions were a hit. We auctioned off trips, cabin stays, and even a golf cart. Thanks to everyone’s generosity, we raised over $100,000 to support our Veterans, First Responders, and Frontline Workers. At Spirit of a Hero, we’re proud that over 95% of every dollar goes directly to those we serve. We don’t have high overhead costs because our board is made up entirely of volunteers. That means your support goes exactly where it’s needed.
We also presented the Heart of the Hero Award to Mike and Cindy Scarlett. Mike inspired our very first gala over a decade ago, and Cindy has been the backbone of every event since. From hotel contracts to rentals and logistics, she’s the one who makes these events possible. We couldn’t do it without her.
The night ended with casino games, prizes, and plenty of celebrating. But more than anything, it ended with a strong sense of community and purpose. Everyone in the room felt the impact of the mission and the Spirit behind it.
If this was your first introduction to Spirit of a Hero, we invite you to stay connected. We are a North Texas-based nonprofit serving nationwide, dedicated to giving back to the Heroes who’ve given us everything. Whether through donating, volunteering, or attending our events, there’s a place for you in this mission.
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