Brilliantly Uniting The Humanity In All Of Us
Glenn Beck, founder of the nonprofit Mercury One, Inc., based in Irving, TX, brought together supporters, friends, and leaders in the social and business community for the M•ONE GALA DALLAS 2015, an evening with Glenn Beck, at the Omni Dallas at Park West with the theme “Brilliantly Uniting the Humanity in All of Us.” Joining in the celebration were honorary chairs Gena and Chuck Norris, along with Johnnie Moore, a fireball from-the-soul speaker and consulting executive director of Mercury One’s Nazarene Fund.
Beginning with a VIP reception and silent auction, over 350 guests were treated to photos at the step-and-repeat and bid on the vast array of priceless experiences and one-of-a-kind items before entering the elegantly draped ballroom for a seated dinner, presentations and especially fabulous, Rolando Diaz, the Cuban-born artist featured in the documentary Recapturing Cuba: An Artist's Journey and now Dallas resident artist, painting a large portrait of former President Abraham Lincoln – the only time he’s ever painted Lincoln - which later sold at the live auction for $17,000.
Glenn gave heartfelt thanks to those in attendance who had also participated in Mercury One’s last gathering in Birmingham, Alabama, the largest march in that city, with over 20,000 people showing their support, including Chuck Norris, actor Jon Voight and more. A stirring video portrayed the march, an emotional singing of Amazing Grace by a gospel choir and the statement, “United, we are a mighty army of righteousness with malice towards none and charity to all.”
Beck also thanked the Host Committee: Dr. Kathleen Bassford, Gina and Ken Betts, Elizabeth and Jim Graham, Suzanne and Michael Grishman, Terry and Ed Lynch, Paralee Obele, Gwen and Adam Rich, Marcene and Clay Taylor and Honorary Host Committee: Amy Ford, Irving Mayor Beth Van Duyne, Johnnie Moore, Lauren and Matt Redhawk, Betsy Ryan, and Bill Wallace.
Following a spirited live auction of some of Beck’s personal collection as well as historical items, another announcement was made: Mercury One is starting a Media Fund in order to collaborate with production teams in the making of informative documentaries and educational pieces about the foundation’s projects.
In 2012 Mercury One, Inc. and Glenn Beck shared a vision to create a charitable organization on the principle: “We don’t stand between government aid and people in need. We stand with people in need so they no longer need the government.” Since that time, Mercury One has assisted countless families with disaster relief, supported veteran organizations, and stood strong for and in support of Israel, all while continuing the mission of education. These are the foundation’s four pillars of service at Mercury One, Inc.
In addition to Pillar Projects, Mercury One has assisted partner charities such as Operation Blessing International, and local organizations like Plano-based Hope’s Door, and Carrick Brain Center of Dallas. In 2014, M1 partnered with EnPuzzlement for Border Relief projects, which are ongoing now. M1 will continue to reach out to these and other partners, and the general fund is the key to building those bridges.
Funds from the gala support Mercury One’s general funds to continue to provide grants to the numerous organizations and programs it supports. From its work at home and abroad, the support of TheBlaze Network sponsors, business and community leaders, and partners is critical. As a partner of the community, Mercury One is proud of its service to date and looks forward to a bright future!
Continuing to provide funding under the four pillars of service could not happen without the generosity of our community. For details about Mercury One and its mission, visit the website at www.mercuryone.org.
Photos by Amber Fisher.