Three Cinco Charities board members David Rozier, Chris Hiller and Stacie Wright, as well as Fred Wright, the Team Leader of Keller Williams Premier Realty in Katy Texas, were interviewed on stage by Mo Anderson, Vice-Chairman of Keller Williams Realty International. Mo asked the panel to explain how a small group of Realtors in Katy, Texas came up with the idea and developed that idea into what it has become today.

The panel shared some of the challenges and blessings of providing temporary housing to families in dire need due to illness. They explained that the amazing Katy community was to thank stating that Cinco Charities has received many blessings from local business leaders, the medical community (especially MD Anderson), and obviously the associates of the Keller Williams Premier Realty.

The panel shared exciting news about a local couple who has donated the use of one of their rental properties for $1 a year to assist the charity in meeting its’ mission. They also showed the audience an artist rendering of a 20+ room facility the organization hopes to build in the near future. This will be made possible by the generosity of the same couple who has provided use of the current home.

Cinco Charities was honored to share its’ story so far and looks forward to sharing the next chapter.

In a presentation held at the Keller Williams Premier Realty offices at 22762 Westheimer Parkway near Peek Rd. in Katy, Tammy Seago, Business Development Manager for Chicago Title, along with Escrow Officers Paula Phillips Rodgers and Stacey Oliva presented the check to Board members Chris Hiller and Stacie Wright.

The gift was made as part of Chicago Title’s charitable giving program, in which their customers can direct where a portion of each escrow closing is donated. Cinco Charities is one of five organizations supported under the program that also includes the Susan G. Komen Foundation and Sunshine Kids.

About Cinco Charities

Cinco Charities, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing temporary housing for individuals and their families who are hospitalized or receiving treatment in our local medical facilities for a serious medical condition. Cinco Charities has been providing housing since 2008, and believes that the best way to acheive our mission is to provide a safe haven for those who need a place to stay while loved ones are recuperating.

About Chicago Title

Throughout the years, Chicago Title Insurance Company has grown in stature with a solid reputation for integrity and standing the test of time. In 1920 the scope of the Company’s business extended beyond Cook County, Illinois where it started in 1847. In the late 1940s, Chicago Title moved to 111 W. Washington Street and continued developing and expanding its extensive statewide organization.

In the 1950s Chicago Title reached beyond its state borders to increase its title insurance business. It was then, Chicago Title Insurance Company, as we know it today, was developed as a wholly owned subsidiary of Chicago Title and Trust Company.

In March 2000, Chicago Title Insurance Company merged with FNF to become one of the largest title companies in the nation. Much has changed in 160-plus years, but the fundamental principles upon which the Company was founded are steadfast. They are outstanding customer service, untarnished reputation for integrity and a rock solid, enduring identity that is synonymous with the necessary expertise to insure your most prized asset: your home.

Mike Mansfield, Head Golf Professional at Willow Fork Country Club, had displayed the sponsor signs around the putting green, where the players were gathered and Duval Mc Daniel and Monty Ballard announced players and thanked event sponsors. Players were offered pro-shop credits for participation and they all opted to donate their prize back to Cinco Charities® at the invitation (arm-twisting) of Monty. Each player was given a Game Day shirt that was donated by the Ballard’s. And the Games Began!

The hosts, Erin and Monty Ballard along with the staff of Willow Fork provided a day of fun, good eats, and beverages for the players. The marathon golf event was an inspiration created in memory of Erin Ballard’s father, Don Hennigan. We understand that this was the “First Annual” event with more to come!

Each player was “Challenged” to compete for sponsorships from their sphere of employers, friends, and family to add to their entry donation of $1000. Duval McDaniel, Willow Fork resident, friend of the Ballard’s & regular on the course, chaired the event like a real champ! With the support of Frank Lombard, VP Katy Area Economic Development Council, and Monty Ballard players were recruited as well as event sponsors who made generous donations.

Many thanks to the players who help make the event fun and successful, Monty Ballard, Lance LaCour, Duval McDaniel, Stephen Mondshine, Robert Holloway, Michael Fitzgerald, Jake Hallsted, Jon Holvik, Phil Frederickson, Richard Hollan, Bob Craig, Phil Landis, Leonard Rameriz, JR Vaughn, Mark Purser, John Wilson and their supporters.

Special thanks to the event sponsors for your amazing contributions, Rosenberger Construction, Hamilton Group, Steve and Jody Sandlin, Business Jet Consultants, Inc., Don McGill Toyota, Bill Callegari, Texas State Representative, Frank and Nancy Lombard, Gary and Lynn McClendon, Tradition Bank, Cronos Technology, Inc., PBK Architects, AXA Foundation, Memorial Hermann, Grace Foundation, Conoco, Harvey Gulf Intl., G&H Air Conditioning, Thrustmaster, Kongsberg Maritime, inc., Sign*A*Rama and all the individuals and corporations who supported players.

At the conclusion Cinco Charities® was presented with a check for $56,000 which will be used for the operating budget, carrying on our mission of providing temporary housing for critically ill patients that come to Katy for medical treatment. Many patients that do not have temporary housing options, would not be able to come for their treatment without the free assistance Cinco Charities makes available.

Cinco Charities® Board Chair Ginger Hopper says, “We could not make the housing available for the patients and their family or caregivers without each of you, the supporters and volunteers. We are anticipating 2012 to be the year we announce the address of our new Hospital Hospitality House and break ground.”

This event proved to Cinco Charities® that the Katy community is ready for a hospitality house, evidenced by the love and support that was shown at this event.

Photos are now online for viewing on our Facebook page!

The marathon golf event is being held in honor of Don Hennigan, father of Erin Ballard, and 100% of every sponsorship dollar raised will benefit Cinco Charities in their mission of providing temporary housing to patients and their families who are visiting Katy area medical centers for treatment of life threatening illnesses. An 8 a.m. Shotgun start is scheduled for the event being held on November 21, 2011 in Katy.

Read more about this incredible event on our website at http://www.cincocharities.org/fundraisers/willowfork/.

2011 has been an exciting, yet challenging year for the Charity.

We are extremely thankful to MD Anderson for honoring us with a $5000 operations grant to assist in our mission of providing temporary housing in the Katy area for individuals & their families when receiving treatment for life threatening illnesses. The Board toured the Katy MD Anderson Medical facility and were truly amazed.. We have a group of the finest Drs & staff, first rate cutting edge medical equipment, & unprecedented opportunity for diagnosis & treatment at our fingertips… A couple of the Drs. shared with us how Cinco Charities truly is making a difference for their patients-some who would not have been able to come to receive their treatments had it not been for Cinco Charities Housing options..

With the opening of the new hospitals we have experienced a significant increase in the number of patients requesting housing assistance. The volume has more than doubled since last year. We have had the opportunity to assist 40 families so far this year, and have no idea how that number will look by the year’s end. One of the challenges has been, because of our limited budget, we have had to limit the number of days we can assist each patient with housing & many of them have extended periods of treatment which calls for weeks -not days of need. Local hotels & Extended Stay Suites around Katy have been excellent to work with us housing our guest.

We have been patiently, and sometimes impatiently waiting, seeking an opportunity to purchase land, or even better- have land donated to build our Cinco Charities House.. In the midst of our efforts -actively seeking our land –which we believed would be our next step– we had a divine appointment. Dr Sunil Patel, one of the leading Oncologist in Katy, told one of his cancer patients about Cinco Charities-she contacted us–offered us the use of a sweet 3 bed room home for our guest – close to the Hospitals–furnished it beautifully-and handed us the keys. Talk about the gift of hospitality, this amazing lady while fighting her own battle, was thinking of others who might not even be able to come for their treatment. We are humbled & forever thankful for this this generous gift. This will allow us the opportunity to be more flexible with the days we can assist our guest-an answer to prayer.

September 1st about 50 of Cinco Charities friends & friends of Monty & Erin Ballard, our generous donors, gathered at our new “Starter Home “ for an Open House celebration. In the midst of a toast, that this home will be a blessing to numerous families over the next year, Monty made a declaration which brought tears to our eyes & joy to our hearts. He pledged $1.5 million for the building of our Dream Home–one that will house 12 to 15 families- be a safe, warm inviting “home away from home” for patients who will come to the Katy area seeking medical treatment. Monty & Erin are outstanding examples of the giving spirit alive in Katy.

Exciting days are ahead for Cinco Charities & the community of Katy as we move forward with our own Hospital Hospitality House. Stay tuned- I am believing our next update will be to announce the location-Yes, we believe our land is in sight.

As a non profit, we operate solely on donations and grants. We ask that you please consider making Cinco Charities, your charity of choice either as an individual or corporate supporter. Thanks for visiting our website to find out how you can make a difference.

Ginger Hopper, Chair

Cinco Charities is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which, since 2008, has assisted more than 100 patients and families. Realtor Ginger Hopper announced the gift at the September Katy Area Economic Development Council breakfast along with the news of a unique golf tournament being held for Cinco Charities November 21 courtesy of the Ballards.

Hopper, Cinco Charities board chair, and Dr. Greg Chronowski, and M.D. Anderson surgeon who lives in the Katy area, told the KAEDC members of the progress being made to raise funds, and provide a “home away from home” for Katy patients and their families.

“Our mission is to provide temporary housing in our community,” Ginger said, “for individuals and their families who are hospitalized or receiving treatment for a serious medical condition.”

Ginger said that in 2006, a Keller Williams International executive challenged her agents to “leave a legacy” in their community. Ginger said that, in their brainstorming sessions, they soon recognized that Katy was developing a huge medical center, and that there was an urgent need to accommodate patients in ways other than direct medical care.

“We knew of the phrase, ‘build it and they will come’,” Hopper said, “and then we realized they’re already here.” “Our goal is provide a free standing home than can house 12 to 15 patients and their families,” Ginger said. A two to three acre site in the Katy area, near the hospitals, is being sought.

Cinco Charities began a pilot program in 2008 and determined the beginning applicants never would be asked to pay. We house guests in local hotels and extended stay suites. “Doctors have told us, had it not been for Cinco Charities providing free housing, a number of them would not have been able to receive treatment.”

Monty and Erin Ballard, last month, in addition to the generous pledges, provided a loaner home and purchased new furnishings. The home is located near hospitals and convenient to the patients. The Ballards were introduced to Cinco Charities by Katy oncologist Dr. Sunil Patel who has been treating Erin, who has been fighting her own personal battle with cancer. “The Ballards exemplify the beautiful giving spirit found in the people in Katy,” Hopper said.

Monty Ballard’s own-profile firm, Fluoro-Seal, has manufactured materials for plastic containers for the past 28 years, and his products are sold all over the world. “We’re fortunate,” Ballard said, “to have this opportunity to help change the way people in Katy live.”

Cinco Charities joined the National Association of Hospital Hospitality Houses in 2008, and has gained valuable knowledge on how other similar groups have met needs of patients. “We have several fundraisers a year to bring in the needed monies to continue fulfilling our mission,” Ginger said, “and we have received donations from individuals, as well as a couple of grants.”

The next big fundraiser will be the Don Hennigan Memorial Marathon Golf Tourney on November 21 at Willow Fork Country Club. A feature will be the participation of area residents of Wounded Warriors, injured military veterans.

To help, call Cinco Charities at 281-220-2188, or go to board@cincocharities.org.

The preceding article was originally written by Wayne Chandler and published in the Fort Bend Business Journal in October 2011. You can download and read the original article here.

Monty Ballard, 65, said he hopes both the temporary haven for seriously ill patients and the planned hospitality house will demonstrate the “warmth and generosity” of the Katy community. We’re going to build a first-class facility, and people from thousands of miles away will come here for health care and they won’t have to worry about eating and sleeping… at least,” Ballard said. “If you look at a map and find Katy, Texas on it, I’d like everybody to see a big gold star next to it, because that’s the kind of place it is.”

Cinco Charities was formed nearly six years ago by associates with Keller Williams Realty Katy at Cinco Ranch, in answer to a company-wide volunteer challenge. A group of Katy agents chose temporary housing for medical patients as their goal and has been raising money since then through food and wine-tasting events and poker and golf fundraisers. Cinco Charities board president Ginger Hopper described the Ballard gifts as monumental. No site or construction timetable for the permanent facility has been set. Our goal is to have a serene home-type setting for these people when they are in the area,” Hopper said. “We envision a home with a suite for each patient and their caregiver.

Erin Ballard, 53, said she first learned of Cinco Charities for her oncologist Dr. Sunil Patel at MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Katy, where she is undergoing radiation and chemotherapy. “I own a bunch of rent houses. I knew right away that I wanted to donate one of my houses to their use,” she said. “I just had to drive down the street for treatment, but some of these people at MD Anderson were coming from a long way away.”

Erin, who lost her father to cancer in July, is doing great after major cancer surgery earlier this month, said Monty Ballard, who also lost his father to cancer. Erin has a second round of treatments coming up. “She was out walking the dog this morning… that about says it all,” he added, “She’s tough.” Erin said she enjoyed redecorating the “loaner house” near Westgreen and Kingsland boulevards, using a Texas theme. But nobody knew what the couple was planning for the Sept. 1 open house there. An emotional Monty Ballard stunned the gathering with his announcement of a major additional gift.

“There were probably 50 people in the room and they did not make a sound,” said family friend Frank Lombard. “It was tearful; it was just unbelievable – especially for the board members who have donated countless house over six or seven years to keep the project alive.”

Lombard, vice president of the Katy Area Economic Development Council, said other supporters are stepping forward to help make the permanent haven a reality. He is also helping organize an upcoming golf tournament at Willow Fork Country Club to benefit Cinco Charities, which the Ballards are underwriting.

“Cinco Charities and its board members deserve every good thing that happens to them,” Lombard said. “And Erin and Monty deserve every good thing because they have just been an example of humanity at its best.” Meanwhile, patients and their caregivers soon will be moving into the “new” Cinco Charities home, Hopper said. The organization also helps families with expenses at participating Katy-area hotels. Patients are referred by their doctors or other professionals, and must be undergoing treatment for life-threatening illnesses, Hopper said.

With the addition of several new Katy-area hospitals, Cinco Charities has seen the need for temporary housing more than double from 2010 to 2011, Hopper said. By the end of this year, the group will have assisted more than 50 families.

“This idea that came to us six years ago, to see that it’s actually going to happen is just amazingly overwhelming,” said Linda Piazza, one of the group’s founding members. “There are times when you get very discouraged, (because) the money isn’t being raised fast enough. This is a dream come true.”

Piazza said the project to offer temporary housing for medical patients was a perfect fit for a group of Realtors in an area fast becoming known for medical care. “We want to let them know that there are people out there who understand and really care,” Piazza said. “They are not alone.” Monty Ballard’s company, Fluoro-Seal International, is headquartered in the Park Ten area. “The medical professionals here are as great as anyplace in the world,” he said. “I want people to know they can come here and it’s a welcoming, generous community.”

The preceding article was written by Karen Hastings and originally published in the Houston Chronicle, a nationally recognized regional newspaper headquartered in Houston, Texas. You can read the original article here.

The Ballard’s graciously furnished the Katy home, with a hint of Texas rustic hospitality style, in a cozy, comfortable setting. Cinco Charities® will manage the guest application process as usual and hopefully most patients will be able to utilize this wonderful home.

The evening was attended by approximately 50 neighbors, friends, supporters of both the Ballard family and Cinco Charities®. Supporters included several of MD Anderson’s leading physicians, Dr. Sunil Patel, Dr. Gregory Chronowski, Dr. Elizabeth Bloom, Dr. John Papadopoulos and Annie Starkey the Program Manager. It was delightful to have Nancy and Frank Lombard present. The distinguished Frank Lombard is Vice President of the Katy Area Economic Development Council and a tremendous ally in his efforts to help Cinco Charities® to locate land and resources for the future build of the Cinco Charities® Hospitality house in Katy.

Wine was toasted, provided from the Ballard’s private label; cheese and fruits to accompany made for a truly delightful evening of socializing, sharing and appreciating the gifts of others.

The journey began for Cinco Charities® and the challenge from Mo Anderson, Vice Chairman of Keller Williams International, to leave a legacy in the community in which you live.

Feeling strongly that God has a purpose for why this disease has been so entrenched in her life, she doesn’t have a full understanding or explanation, but firmly believes that her role as a volunteer with Cinco Charities Inc. is important.

Cinco Charities provides temporary housing for individuals who are hospitalized or receiving treatment in local medical facilities for a serious medical condition and their families.

Most of the medical conditions have been cancer-related, and most of the patients have had treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center — a place where Piazza has spent hundreds of hours.

“There’s a passion for it because I know firsthand what these families are going through,” Piazza said. “I know the roller coaster they’re on, and that’s what brought me to want to help them. I know how hard it is. It breaks my heart to see somebody else go through what we went through. When my mom was sick – especially toward the end -somebody bringing over a tray of lasagna was amazingly helpful. It’s small, but one less thing we needed to worry about.

“With our housing effort, it’s one less thing this family has to be burdened with. We’re going to give them a comfortable place to stay and take the stress off finances. You see families going bankrupt because medical care is outrageously expensive.”

Cinco Charities has been providing housing since 2008, and its organizers believe that the best way to achieve their mission is to provide a safe haven for those who need a place to stay while loved ones are recuperating.

Mo Anderson, Keller Williams Realty’s vice chairman of the board, challenged local offices in 2005 to make a significant, long-lasting, legacy-leaving statement in their community.

A year later, Piazza and four others founded Cinco Charities, a nonprofit organization created and run by Keller Williams Realty Katy at Cinco Ranch Associates.

Cinco Charities holds three fund-raising events every year: A Night of Texas Hold ‘Em, which raised an estimated $15,000 on July 16; the Keller Williams Classic Golf Tournament, which raises $20,000 to $30,000 in April; and the new Sip ‘N Stroll, which began last September and featured wine, beer and food sampling, vendor shopping booths, live music and a charity auction. It raised between $15,000 and $20,000.

This year’s Sip N Stroll will be Sept. 22 at Villagio Town Center in Cinco Ranch.

Cinco Charities has used some proceeds to partner with Houston-area hotels (primarily three locations of Candlewood Suites), and in the case of long-term stays, even with private rental property owners to provide warm, comfortable, home-like settings.

The local facilities are all located within a five-mile radius of medical providers, and public transportation is available.

The dream is to build a home in Katy – similar to the Ronald McDonald House – that will house 10 to 12 families, and have it fully functional by 2013.

The group needs about two acres for a 6,000-square-foot house.

Cinco Charities has saved about $150,000, but estimates that it will need almost $1 million for land and a house, if nobody steps forward to donate land or the building materials and labor.

Earlier negotiations for land broke down when the group could not reduce the $400,000 asking price.

The group is open to the idea of buying a smaller existing house, but would prefer to build its own so that it can design one with a common dining area, common kitchen and oversized family room, rather than try to modify a house.

After land is acquired, a capital campaign will be initiated to raise money for the house.

“We feel that if we can put up a sign saying, ‘Future home of Cinco Charities House,’ then contractors, electricians, AC guys and roofers will come forth and donate the time to help it get done, which would minimalize the cost,” said Ginger Hopper, chair of Cinco Charities.

“Our dream would be that someone who has a heart – maybe their family was touched by cancer – would have land they want to donate for such a worthy cause. But we’re committed to doing fundraisers and whatever it takes to do it,” Hopper said.

For information, visit www.cincocharities.org.

“When you’re putting people up in hotels, money goes very quickly. This year alone, we’ve served over 30 families. We have to budget monthly so we don’t back ourselves into a corner and wouldn’t have enough money if land became available for a down payment,” Hopper said.

The 30 guests in the first six months of 2011 compares with 24 guests in 2008-10, Hopper said. Some guests are helped more than once a year for different visits.

“The need is so great, with all the hospitals that have come to Katy. We’re becoming the mini-Medical Center.”

Piazza said the house is important because it will allow Cinco Charities to more easily minister to the families who are struggling with emotional and physical pain that is exacerbated by financial concerns.

“When families are going through this kind of trauma and this kind of distress-type situation, the last thing they need to do is worry about whether they can afford treatment because they can’t afford the travel. So, while this doesn’t alleviate all of the pain and stress they’re going through, if we can help them just a little bit and brighten their lives, that’s great.”

The preceding article was written by Rick Weber and originally published in the Houston Chronicle, a nationally recognized regional newspaper headquartered in Houston, Texas. You can read the original article here.