2025 Lamplighter Gala

FUEL THE MISSION

You are cordially invited to attend the

2025 Lamplighter Gala
FUEL THE MISSION

5:30 PM: Minuteman Immersive Experience,
Cocktail Hour & Silent Auction
7 PM: Dinner & Program

Saturday, March 29

Courtyard at the Allen Event Center
210 E. Stacy Road | Allen, TX

Attire: Boots & Bling
Western Cocktail

Valet Parking Provided

Sponsorships
Buy tickets

FUEL THE MISSION

Minuteman Disaster Response (MDR) provides assistance in the immediate aftermath of a disaster through the deployment of highly trained and equipped volunteers.

Dear Friend of Minuteman Disaster Response,

Since our founding in 2011, MDR has significantly expanded its volunteer base and service reach, now supporting communities across the United States. What began as a small operation has grown into a robust network of 750 volunteers residing in 38 states, ready to respond swiftly to disasters nationwide. However, we currently have more willing volunteers than ever, and we are literally busting at the seams to keep up with the growing need for additional staff, tools, equipment, and facilities to support them.

While this is an exciting milestone, it also presents a significant challenge. Sustaining our operations while expanding the resources needed to serve even more communities requires substantial funding.

The 2025 Lamplighter Gala provides an opportunity for those who believe in our mission to partner with us in acquiring mission-critical assets that will enable MDR to grow. We invite you to thoughtfully consider supporting our cause and fueling our mission to serve.

Thank you for your consideration. Your support will directly impact our ability to deliver rapid disaster relief, bringing hope and assistance to families and communities in need. Every dollar truly makes a difference in ensuring we are always prepared to serve others. See you in the field.

Paul Pogue
MDR Founder President

2025 MDR Funding Needs

FUEL THE MISSION

Incident Command Post
Estimated Cost: $200,000

Skid Steer and Trailer
Estimated Cost: $100,000 | Need: 3

MDR Utility Truck
Estimated Cost: $80,000 | Need: 5

Fund a Day
Estimated Cost of Operation: $7,000/Day

FUEL THE MISSION

2025 Lamplighter Gala

The Lamplighter Gala helps Minuteman Disaster Response raise awareness and financial support to fulfill our mission of providing assistance in the immediate aftermath of a disaster through the deployment of highly trained and equipped volunteers.

Attend The Gala

Early Bird Ticket: $175/person

Discount offered through Dec. 31, 2024

Ticket: $200/person

Purchase Tickets

Ticket includes admission to the MDR Interactive Experience, dinner, drinks, and complimentary valet parking.

MDR Interactive Experience: Ever wondered what it means to respond in the immediate aftermath of a disaster? Join us for an interactive experience that will give you a glimpse of how MDR fulfills its mission of offering hope and compassion to impacted individuals and communities.

Limited number of tickets available.

Not planning to attend but would like to help
MDR achieve its fundraising goal?

As a 501c3 nonprofit, MDR relies on the generous support of donors
like you to make a real impact in rebuilding lives after disaster.

Make a Donation

Event Sponsors

Help underwrite the cost of hosting the Lamplighter Gala, enabling us
to maximize the impact of every dollar raised toward supporting our mission.

To maximize your exposure through event advertising and promotion, along with other benefits included in the package, we encourage you to secure your sponsorship as early as possible.

FUEL THE MISSION

Serving Others

MDR responds to a range of disasters, including wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods, standing ready to serve communities across the U.S. with compassion and commitment. Through the dedication of its volunteers, MDR remains focused on its founding mission: to be a reliable, organized force of assistance and relief, helping rebuild lives and communities in their greatest moments of need.

In 2024, Minuteman Disaster Response deployed over 262 volunteers to 17 disaster events in 8 states, providing nearly 5,381 manhours of relief to more than 219 homeowners affected by disasters.

  • February: Canadian, TX | Wildfire
  • March: Milton, KY | Tornado
  • April: Sulphur, OK | Tornado
    Louisville, KY | Tornado
    Slidell, LA | Tornado
  • May: Temple, TX | Tornado
    Columbia, TN | Tornado
    Barnsdall, OK | Tornado
    Salina, OK | Tornado
    Celina, TX | Tornado
    Leonard, TX | High Wind Damage
    Richardson, TX | High Wind Damage
    Tyler, TX | High Wind Damage
  • June: Garland, TX | High Wind Damage
    Houston, TX | Hurricane
  • September: Asheville, NC | Hurricane
    Valdosta, GA | Hurricane

Donate to our Auction

This type of event isn't possible without generous supporters who believe in our mission.

Will you please consider donating an item for the silent auction?

Donate to our Auction

Donors will be featured in our event program.

To be included, items need to be received by Friday, February 28.

Arrangements can be made for items to be picked up or they can be mailed to / dropped off at the MDR office @ 1512 Bray Central Drive, #200 | McKinney, TX 75069 | Federal Tax ID: 45-2648517

MDR Lamplighter Gala

Event Location

Courtyard at the Allen Event Center
210 E. Stacy Road | Allen, TX

Phone: 214.383.1151

Room Blocks: MDR has a limited number of sleeping rooms blocked for the night of Saturday, March 29. If planning to stay the night, please call the hotel to book a room and mention MDR Lamplighter Gala to receive a discounted rate. Offer is good until the room block is full so please book early.

The Lamplighter Gala is an annual fundraising event benefiting Minuteman Disaster Response, a nonprofit organization with a mission to serve in the immediate aftermath of a disaster by deploying highly trained and equipped volunteers who assist with disaster scene management, emergency communications, and debris cleanup at no cost to those they help.

2024 Events photos