Central Texans are being given an opportunity to show their appreciation and lend a hand to service members who have returned home.
On July 20, the nonprofit organization Hero's Night Out is holding a fundraiser, Hearts for Heroes, to support its resource center and various programs, HNO announced July 2 in a news release. The event is a black-tie affair, taking place at Twin Creeks Country Club, 3201 Twin Creeks Club Drive, Cedar Park, at 6 p.m. Tickets are $50.
"We want to rally support from local business and residents and also educate the community that Heroes Night Out is here," Hearts for Heroes Co-chairman Kenieshiear Czetty said.
Czetty said the night will consist of a three-course dinner and cash bar. The live auction will be hosted by auctioneer James Willman from David Ackel Auctions, an auctioneering company with professional bid caller and auction consulting services. Guest will be able to dance to live music from Project Texas, a southern rock and Texas country band playing original and cover songs. Testimonials will also be heard from some of the veterans who are a part of Heroes Night Out.
"Heroes Night Out provides anything that the veterans need when they walk through the door," said Judy Peirce, co-founder of HNO along with her husband, Wes.
Peirce said the organization holds special concerts and monthly dinners for more than 1000 veterans who come through the center each month. The center also has peer-to-peer programs where veterans can work through issues together and get employment and housing help as well. The center also has a program called Caregivers Corner for wives and caregivers of veterans to get the support they need.
This is the first Hearts for Heroes event but Czetty said HNO plans to make it an annual fundraiser.
"Then we can bring in more resources and bring in more veterans and spread knowledge to the community," she said.
Items that can be expected at the live auction include jewelry and gift cards toward cruises. The donations for gifts and sponsorships are from local businesses such as The Joint, a chiropractor facility in Cedar Park, Czetty said.
Donations and volunteers for the auction will still be accepted until July 18, and reservations should be made online at https://heroesnightout.org.