Local advocacy group Mercy Gate Ministries held its annual fundraiser, Keys to Freedom, at the 11th Street Cowboy Bar on Monday, April 7. The ribbon cutting and fundraiser drew a crowd of about 100 to the outdoor venue.
Mercy Gate Ministries supports victims of sex trafficking and exploitation in the Hill Country. Originally based in Kerr County, the organization recently opened offices in Bandera.
To kick off the event, local performers Wade Lowrie and Chris Barnett played a variety of cowboy tunes. Lowrie’s smooth, whiskey-soaked voice inspired some attendees to two-step near the small stage. He proved popular with the crowd, with many staying until the end of the evening to hear him perform.
A 50/50 raffle was also held, and the winner, Bandera Brewery’s Elizabeth Cox, generously donated her prize back to Mercy Gate. The event raised $6,925 for the organization’s operations and programs.
“We are overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone who has openly welcomed our efforts and supported our program launch,” said Aubri Reed, ARC Program Director for Mercy Gate. “As a community, we are making a lasting impact in the lives of those who call Bandera home.”
Brick’s River Café catered the event, providing snacks as guests heard remarks from co-owners Richard and Sasha Sutton, as well as Mercy Gate team members including Chae Spencer, Aubri Reed and Liz Carpenter.
A graduate of Mercy Gate’s program also spoke, holding the crowd in rapt attention as she shared her personal experience as a victim of sex trafficking. She credited her faith in Christ with helping her escape that life and build a more hopeful future.
“Bandera is truly a unique and blessed place,” said Executive Director Chae Spencer. “We felt called by God to launch our first satellite office here and are thrilled to begin our classes and support women through their healing journeys. We’ve witnessed God’s power to save, heal and restore even the most broken hearts, and we are confident that the same will happen in Bandera.”
“Seeing and hearing the excitement from our community about Mercy Gate Ministries now being in Bandera was overwhelming in a really good way,” said Erin Rowe, Bandera Program Director. “What a beautiful night it truly was! The reception from folks in Bandera has been amazing. Thank you to our church partners and volunteers for your support — we couldn’t do this without all of you.”
The Bandera Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of Mercy Gate’s new satellite office. Chamber Executive Director James Hernandez organized the ceremony.
Mercy Gate’s church partners include Ridin’ the River Cowboy Church, Bandera Christ Chapel Church, Medina Community Church, Gateway Fellowship Church and Walker Community Church.
The organization also collaborates with community agencies through the Bandera County Interagency Coalition (BCIC) to identify service gaps and offer wraparound support for families in need.
Spencer encourages community members to get involved with Mercy Gate through volunteer opportunities and other events.
For more information, visit www.mercygateministries.com.
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