A black tie event focused on “paying it forward” within the firefighter community. Some services offered, but certainly not limited to, include financial assistance, hospital care packages, covering hotel/motel expenses for family members, and other needs should they arise. The Colbert Project was established in 2013 with the inaugural Firefighter’s Ball. It is now an annual event that continues to allow us the ability to assist as well as provide immediate services. It is through sponsorships, guests, donated items and the continued support from the community, we have been able to continue in our mission. Because of that support, to date thousands of dollars have been raised, making it possible for us to assist individual firefighter families.
A true example of Brotherhood, Unity and Family, we strive to provide a memorable night for each guest. Each guest will be served dinner in the ballroom, while enjoying sounds from the Pipes and Drums, followed by an energetic Live Auction. Following the Live Auction, guests will be invited to enjoy the following activities: Silent Auction-our silent auction is sure to have something for everyone. Adjacent to the silent auction, you can enjoy music and dancing. If you prefer, you can try your luck in the casino gaming areas, visit the photo booth, for fun props and pictures with friends. Make sure to stop by the Wine Pull table and Cigar Bars. Take a step outside and enjoy a cigar on the beautiful patio overlooking Lake Ray Hubbard. Returning again this year...Hook and Ladder Pizza Co.! They will be set up under the Porta Che located right outside the double doors from the event halls. Picture a fire engine with a brick oven and you have Hook and Ladder Pizza Co. serving fresh, hot, ready-to-go pizzas for you as you leave or head up to your room. Either way, enjoy!
Time: September 22nd, 2018
Doors Open 5:30pm
Place: Hilton Dallas/Rockwall 2055 Summer Lee Dr. Rockwall, TX 75032
The Colbert Project
“NO BROTHER BATTLES ALONE”
The Colbert Project is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, focusing on giving back to those who have selflessly given to the communities in which they serve. Our mission is to provide financial assistance, along with support, to other fire families facing financial strife brought on by illness or off duty injury.
What originally began as fundraising efforts for our own family, it left us with feelings of wanting to create a way to provide means and ways for others that so selflessly gave to our family. From that, we have been able to raise thousands of dollars with the help of countless volunteers, donations, donors and our wonderful sponsors over the past 4 years.
My husband, Devon Colbert, who is honored to not only call Garland Fire Department his department and home away from home, but also our extended family, as well as being a volunteer firefighter for Rockwall Fire Department, was the first recipient at the Firefighter’s Ball 2012. It was December 17, 2012, when Devon and our son were involved in a motor vehicle accident in our hometown of Rockwall, TX. Our son, which was 2 years old at the time, was left unharmed and scratch free. However, Devon was left with a life altering neck injury, resulting in paralysis. Life as we knew it was changed from that moment. As a wife and mother, I was left with no real certainty of anything...but there was one thing for certain, our Garland Fire family, along with the Rockwall Fire Department and Rockwall Fire Marshall’s Office, were thinking ahead on our family’s behalf and the potential financial strains and pains we would be facing and began working to devise a way to rally around us, our family, to create an epic fundraising effort, The Firefighter’s Ball.
The goal and main focus of creating an annual event, such as this, was to show the true meaning behind “BROTHERHOOD” by getting a multitude of departments within the fire community, along with local and surrounding businesses and individuals, involved together under one roof, for one night, to raise awareness and funds for our family as we faced our own financial uncertainties. It was from these efforts that Devon was afforded the ability to continue countless hours of rehabilitation, get needed equipment and transportation, and keep the roof over our head. I am not sure where we would be at this time if it would not have been for the individuals who acted so quickly on our family’s behalf.
It is from experiencing such acts of kindness, we as a family, were left with an overwhelming since of gratitude. From that feeling we knew that it wasn’t over, rather this project was just beginning and it was now our turn to continue on with these efforts and begin a non-profit organization. That is when the Colbert Project was started. Here we are today, three recipients have been granted assistance and the need continues. Please join us in our efforts in providing a way and bridging a gap as we continue our mission for these special families.
It is because of you we are able to continue to do what we do and it is because of you that we feel honored in doing so. Thank you to the many individuals who believe in what we are doing and continue to support us as we continue to grow day to day. Thank you to the many businesses who have participated in sponsoring our event and businesses who have donated items to our silent and live auctions.
Respectfully,
Emily Colbert
Past Recipients:
(Father Austin McKitrick, LFD)
