H.O.M.E. seeks donations for gala

House of Mercy Enterprises [H.O.M.E] plans to raffle off a Henry Golden Boy rifle at its Sept. 16 gala at the Graham Arena and is looking for more silent auction items to help raise money for its programs, director Preston Crow said.

The silent auction now includes several premium items, including an engraved bone-handled knife donated by First United Methodist Church of Olney’s Pastor Harrell Braddock Jr., a chain saw donated by PAW Industries of Graham, and an aluminum picnic table – an item donated every year by Southern Bleachers in Graham, Mr. Crow said.

The silent auction also included themed baskets filled with wine and cheese, baby items – such as car seats – and crafts like handmade quilts, he said.

The success of the silent auction is crucial to H.O.M.E.’s upcoming budget even though the nonprofit is participating again this year in the Sept. 7 Texoma Gives online fundraiser, Mr. Crow said.

“The gala funds our regular operations – that is our main fundraiser of the year,” he said. “Texoma Gives, its children and pets that get the greatest donations.”

HOME will hold its 6th Annual Gala at the Graham Arena at 120 Barclay Blvd. to inform a wider audience of would-be donors and supporters about the Bible-based Christian human development program in Olney, Mr. Crow said.

The event, scheduled from 6-9 p.m. will feature testimony from residents and brisket with all the fixings, he said.

HOME currently serves about two dozen residents who come from “all over Texas,” Mr. Crow said. The House of Mercy served more than 100 people recovering from addiction in 2022, he said.

The biggest money maker for H.O.M.E. is the raffle of the rifle, which brings in about $7,000 in ticket sales. There are 750 tickets for sale at $10 apiece. The tickets are available at the House of Mercy at 1302 W Payne St. in Olney.

Anyone wanting to donate items to the silent auction should contact Mr. Crow at 940-212-0513.