March 2024 Newsletter

Newsletter

March 2024

In 2024, we are going to reach the incredible milestone of providing 100,000 nights of no-cost housing!

Celebrate with us by donating $100 to support our goal.

Donate $100

The Ballard House is a Keller Williams Initiative

Embark on the heartwarming journey of The Ballard House, ignited by Keller Williams CEO Mo Anderson's call to action. The Ballard House’s original board members recognized the pressing need and devised a solution to house individuals with life-threatening illnesses and their caregivers traveling to Houston, Texas for treatments.

Monty and Erin Ballard played a pivotal role, acquiring land and building The Ballard House in 2013 to meet the housing need.

Join us in commemorating years of impact as we near our milestone of providing 100,000 nights of no-cost housing. The Ballard House relies entirely on community funding. Your $100 donation pays homage to this incredible achievement and propels our mission to aid those undergoing medical treatments.

Watch the inspiring video by Keller Williams Premier and join us in making a difference.

Special recognition to Chris Hiller, an original board member who continues to serve after 18 years, Fabiola Duenas, the current Chair of the spectacular board of directors, and Kathy Girgenti and Gayle Huffman, owners of Keller Williams Premier Katy, who have steadfastly supported the cause since its inception.

Join the Challenge: Donate $100 Now

Wild West Brew Fest

The Katy Rotary Club is having a Wild West Brew Fest benefiting The Ballard House at Typhoon Texas Waterpark March 21-23, 2024.

Join the fun and come support! Tickets are available now.

Purchase Tickets

Thank You Kingsland Baptist

Kingsland Baptist gathered a group of 80+ volunteers for their Caring for Katy day! They provided an amazing Sunday with brunch, worship, yard work and organizing/cleaning.

Thank You to Our Recent Naming Rights Sponsors

Every room within The Ballard House is graciously sponsored by various organizations, families, individuals, and companies, all of whom contribute to the invaluable support of our mission. Would you like to join us in this extraordinary endeavor of supporting The Ballard House? We currently have rooms available for a unique naming rights opportunity starting at $166 per month or $2,000 per year.

Contact David Brown at [email protected] to inquire or click the button below to learn more.

Click to Learn More About Naming Rights

Guest Spotlight

George and Gloria Garcia

"Our journey started back in June of 2023. When my wife was diagnosed with cancer. Our first thought was, how can this be? She has never been sick, a day in her life. She is not on any kind of medication. We thought we needed to seek a second opinion. I started to search the web and that lead us to M D Anderson in Houston. It turned out that she was in stage four of skin cancer. My wife's tumor was around her salivary gland on her right cheek area.

After her surgery she was going to need a series of radiation and chemotherapy treatments. But after spending a great deal of money on hotels, parking and eating out, I wondered like anyone else how I was going to get through this financial burden. For sure we were going to more than likely empty our emergency fund. My wife means the world to me, so I thought time to liquidate.

I shared my concern with my wife's medical team, and it was through them that we were told about The Ballard House.

When we arrived at the Ballard house in our opinion it was like walking into a resort place. Wow! Well, the Ballard house is not a resort, but it is a wow place.

Starting with the staff and the volunteers that have a loving heart and greeted us with open arms and warm smiles.

Here you have all the comforts of home. And just like at home the gathering happens in the kitchen with a good cup of coffee. Great friendships start at the kitchen island. But the best time to meet and greet people from all around the globe is at supper time. Sharing your life journey with your illness and how everyone learns to overcome. Sharing family stories and photos, laughter and yes, some tears, some sadness, and some joy. And with that comes words of wisdom, encouragement, and hope. And before you know it, you are part of an incredibly special family.

No matter what your faith believe is, they have an awesome chapel where you can go and spend time with your thoughts. Another peaceful place is the beautiful waterfall with a beautiful garden in the backyard that is so serene.

If you have never visited The Ballard House, I invite you to come for the nickel tour and consider being a sponsor. You know someone years ago saw a need and that need has become a reality. Today, it is me, tomorrow it may be you or a loved one.

We thank God each and every day for The Ballard House. It is more than just a place to stay. It is where Iron sharpens Iron."

-George and Gloria Garcia

Volunteer Spotlight

Marci Hanna

"I became a guest wrangler in August of 2020. A friend who volunteered there said she was sure I would love it.

That friend introduced me to what has become a place very dear to my heart.

The guests are so wonderful and it is such a privilege to see them and greet them at the front desk every other Wednesday morning. I pray as I travel there for our guests asking the Lord to heal them and give them His strength for each day.

It’s hard to adequately put into words the amount of help The Ballard House receives from the Katy community. I’m so thankful for all of the different schools, churches, restaurants,and groups that give of their time and resources. It has been wonderful to be able to be at the front desk and see all that goes on. The staff and volunteers are the most selfless people I’ve ever worked along side of. I’m forever grateful for the time I’ve had volunteering here."

-Marci

Thank You BMC Software!

BMC Software brought joy to The Ballard House. With their generous donation, tour, and help serving dinner, they truly made a difference. Thank you BMC Software for your unwavering support!

Guest Comment

"I cannot think of anything that would better serve the guests at the awesome Ballard House. Thank you for assisting in my healing and health. Plus allowing my caregivers to assist me. Fantastic, Awesome Home away from Home. I felt the love and understanding that radiated in every room in the loving, caring Ballard House. Including each and every person assisting the guests. "

-Tonsi Ann Becker

Community Shout Out

We recently posted an urgent need for water bottles. Within 24 hours, we received 20 cases from various individuals and companies. Thank you all for your continuous support and generosity.

Please consider donating cases of water bottles. Our guests love taking a water bottle with them on their way to treatment and we often run low.

Purchase The Ballard House SWAG Today!

We have Men's and Women's Polo Shirts, Crew Neck T-Shirts, and Baseball Caps available for sale. Support us by purchasing our SWAG.

**Spring Break Special!

Buy 1 shirt, get 2nd shirt free

Click to Purchase

Recent Volunteers

Click to View Amazon Wish List

Click to Donate Monetarily

Cinco Charities Board of Directors

Thank you Cinco Charities Board of Directors for your dedication to The Ballard House. We greatly appreciate your service and leadership. Your devotion to The Ballard House is highly recognized and we are so thankful!

Executive Committee:

Chairman

Fabiola Duenas

[email protected]

832-744-7191

Vice Chair

Denise Einkauf

[email protected]

832-875-3621

Treasurer

Dan Burn

[email protected]