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
Minuteman Disaster Response exists to bring hope in the immediate aftermath of disasters by deploying self-sufficient volunteer teams who are equipped, trained, and ready to serve at no cost to those who need it most.
FUEL THE MISSION
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
Sleeper Unit Trailer
Estimated Cost: $200,000
Skid Steer and Trailer
Estimated Cost: $100,000 | Need: 2
MDR Utility Truck
Estimated Cost: $80,000 | Need: 5
Deployment
Estimated Cost of Operation: $7,000/Day
The Lamplighter Gala is an annual fundraising event with all proceeds benefiting the operational expenses
of Minuteman Disaster Response, a nonprofit organization with a mission to serve in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.
Note: The items listed above are representative but not exhaustive of all current funding needs.
2025 Lamplighter Gala
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sleeper Unit Sponsor: $75,000
Help fund a new Sleeper Unit Trailer that serves as a mobile housing solution designed to sleep up to 28 volunteers at basecamp operations.
Recognition:
- Recognition as an Sleeper Unit Sponsor
- Logo on all MDR channels (web, social media & print)
- Logo on new MDR Sleeper Unit Trailer
- Representative to provide short presentation (3-5 minutes) at event program
- Listing in all gala print and digital materials, including full page in event program
- Logo displayed on premium placed signage at event
- Sponsor 10 MDR Ambassadors to attend the event 20 Tickets | 2 Tables (Premium Seating)
Transportation Sponsor:$50,000
Help fund the purchase of utility trucks needed to transport volunteers and equipment to/from disaster scenes and during deployment missions.
Recognition:
- Recognition as a Transportation Sponsor
- Logo on all MDR channels (web, social media & print)
- Logo displayed on a new utility truck
- Listing in all gala print and digital materials, including full page in event program
- Logo displayed on premium placed signage at event
- Sponsor 10 MDR Ambassadors to attend the event 20 Tickets | 2 Tables (Premium Seating)
Deployment Sponsor: $20,000
Help fund a week of deployment operations for associated costs such as food, fuel, maintenance, and supplies to support our volunteer teams serving others.
Recognition:
- Recognition as a Deployment Sponsor
- Logo on all MDR channels (web, social media & print)
- Listing in all gala print and digital materials, including a half-page in event program
- Logo displayed on sponsor signage at event
- Sponsor 5 MDR Ambassadors to attend the event 10 Tickets | 1 Table (Select Seating)
Skid Steer Sponsor: $10,000
Help fund the purchase of a Compact Track Loader (aka Skid Steer) used by MDR volunteer teams to remove trees and debris on worksites and a trailer to haul it.
Recognition:
- Recognition as a Skid Steer Sponsor
- Logo on all MDR channels (web, social media & print)
- Listing in all gala print and digital materials, including a half-page in event program
- Logo displayed on sponsor signage at event 10 Tickets | 1 Table
Table Sponsor: $2,500
Fill a table at the Lamplighter Gala with your family, friends, and business associates who can help fuel the mission.
Recognition:
Name or logo listing in all gala print and digital materials | 10 Tickets
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.
Beverage Sponsor: $7,500
Logo on bar signage | 5 Tickets
Recognized in print and digital materials, including a half-page in event program
Valet Sponsor: $7,500
Logo on Thank You notes left in cars | 5 Tickets
Recognized in print and digital materials, including a half-page in event program
Technology Sponsor: $5,000
Logo on auction website | 3 Tickets
Recognized in print and digital materials, including a ¼- page in event program
Wine Pull Sponsor: $5,000
Logo on pull tags | 3 Tickets
Recognized in print and digital materials, including a ¼- page in event program
Photo Sponsor: $5,000
Logo on backdrop of photo station | 3 Tickets
Recognized in print and digital materials, including a ¼- page in event program
Program Sponsor: $3,500
Logo on printed programs | 2 Tickets
Recognized in print and digital materials
Decoration Sponsor: $3,500
Logo attached to centerpieces | 2 Tickets
Recognized in print and digital materials
- Beverage Sponsor: $7,500
Logo on bar signage | 5 Tickets
Recognized in print and digital materials, including a half-page in event program - Valet Sponsor: $7,500
Logo on Thank You notes left in cars | 5 Tickets
Recognized in print and digital materials, including a half-page in event program - Technology Sponsor: $5,000
Logo on auction website | 5 Tickets
Recognized in print and digital materials, including a ¼- page in event program - Wine Pull Sponsor: $5,000
Logo on pull tags | 5 Tickets
Recognized in print and digital materials, including a ¼- page in event program - Photo Sponsor: $5,000
Logo on backdrop of photo station | 5 Tickets
Recognized in print and digital materials, including a ¼- page in event program - Program Sponsor: $3,500
Logo on printed programs | 2 Tickets
Recognized in print and digital materials - Decoration Sponsor: $3,500
Logo attached to centerpieces | 2 Tickets
Recognized in print and digital materials
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
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
Ticket includes admission to the MDR Interactive Experience, dinner, drinks, and complimentary valet parking.
Limited number of tickets available.
MDR Interactive Experience:Â 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.
Room Blocks: MDR has a limited number of sleeping rooms blocked at the Courtyard at the Allen Event Center on Friday, March 28 and Saturday, March 29, for guests who choose to stay at their own cost. If planning to stay, please CLICK HERE to receive a discounted rate when making your reservation. Offer is good until the block is full, so booking early is encouraged.
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.
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?
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