Empower Gala Raises $180,000 to Fund New Path for Success for North Texans in Need

It was a resounding “Yes!” from guests, members of the community who came together for the Empower Gala benefiting Metrocrest Services, as Metrocrest Services CEO Tracy Eubanks asked the room of supporters if it was their goal to help people on the path to self-sufficiency, and if they wanted to make meaningful change in the world. The hundreds who gathered were unanimous in their exuberant answer to his questions, shouting “Yes!” from each corner of the ballroom in the Renaissance Dallas Addison Hotel in Addison on November 16.

“The Pathways Fund will be the pathway to independence for many of our clients. We want to say ‘Yes!’ for people in need, when and how they need us. This this is how we put the power in ‘empower,’” Eubanks told the crowd as he described the Pathways Fund, launched at the gala to fund additional ways for Metrocrest Services staff to assist their clients, families and seniors in need who find help and hope through the non-profit agency.

Eubanks described the Metrocrest Services Pathways Fund as a way to meet those often smaller expenses that exist at a crucial point in the journey toward a person’s independence. For some clients, it means funding to pay a cell phone or internet bill so that person can apply for jobs. For others, it can mean money to buy the specific work boots that are required on the site where the person’s new job exists, or a licensing exam for a soon-to-be teacher. “Other times, it’s a much-needed auto part or repair that allows that person to get back to their job that puts food on their family’s table,” Eubanks said. “Through the Pathways Fund, we will have the ability to address those seemingly small things, those barriers, on the path to independence and self-sufficiency for a family in need, so that they can be unstoppable.”

Attendees pledged funding and support to start the Pathways Fund with almost $180,000 in funding Metrocrest Services staff will use to empower clients on their paths to self-sufficiency.

Three committed local families served as honorary co-chairs for the Empower Gala: Joe and Natalie Mendez, Marcus and Holly Sechrest, and Mike and Linda Rutherford – all committed volunteers of Metrocrest Services who have each served the mission in a variety of roles. Attendees heard impassioned remarks from Linda Rutherford and Joe Mendez, as well as Shellie Rayford, chair of the Metrocrest Services Board of Directors, and Aaron Augustine with Allstate, who served as presenting sponsor for the event. Thrive & Shine sponsors for the Empower Gala were Citi, Southwest Airlines, Verity Instruments, Rick and Beverly Fetterman, and Legacy Consulting Group.

Guests from across the Metroplex enjoyed an unforgettable event filled with live music, fantastic food, fun – and the opportunity to make a difference for the clients of Metrocrest Services. Composer and multi-instrumentalist Zuriel Merek captivated guests with his electric violin and live looping performances. Guests posed for photos on the red carpet and participated in a 360-degree photo video booth, and danced to live entertainment from Emerald City’s The Party Machine.