The Katy Christian Ministries 17th annual gala event was a success and exceeded its fundraising goal, said KCM Executive Director Deysi Crespo. The annual event – one of the nonprofit’s largest revenue sources – drew in about 300 attendees and raised more than its $125,000 initial objective, she said.

“Our goal for the gala was $125,000 and it was intended to support the operations of the ministry where we rely heavily on the two major fundraisers of the year – the annual golf tournament and the gala,” Crespo said. “We were very positive going into it and we’re very pleased with the outcome because we exceeded our goal with an estimated amount (of about) $128,000.”

Crespo said funds raised will go primarily toward operations with only the amount exceeding the initial goal going toward KCM’s capital campaign to improve its new facility at 3506 Porter Road. The money will go a long way toward ensuring KCM fulfills its primary mission of providing support to those in need throughout the Katy area with its food pantry, counseling, crisis intervention and other services, she said.

“When we say that it is to sustain the operations of the ministry, we’re talking about the sustainability of all of the programs for us to continue with our operations,” Crespo said. “You know, it takes funding to keep the case managers doing that job that they’re there to do, to buy office supplies, to help pay rent – every operational expense of the ministry in order for us to be able to provide free services.”

The keynote address for the gala was given by Brian Greene, CEO and president of the Houston Food Bank, who discussed the importance of nonprofits like KCM in meeting the needs of the community. Additional speakers included Carolyn Ray, a former client of KCM who discussed the impact KCM’s programs had for her.

Crespo said KCM is already beginning to plan next year’s gala and is excited to celebrate accomplishments and grateful for the community’s support.