Open Door Ministries Hosts 2nd Annual Masquerade Gala & Auction

Successfully raising over $250,000 for the hungry and homeless in High Point

For Immediate Release

September 30, 2025

HIGH POINT, NC - Open Door Ministries (ODM) hosted its 2nd Annual Masquerade Gala & Auction at the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame with more than 130 people in attendance. This venue provided an elegant environment to recognize the services, and the guests that depend on Open Door Ministries. Videos highlighting stories of those who have been or are being served in the programs of ODM were shared throughout the evening. Illustrating the personal impacts of homelessness, poverty, substance abuse, and more, the event allowed for the reflection and understanding of those who suffer from the experiences of hunger and homelessness.

Donated auction items, calls for support, and simple kindness and generosity, led to an outpouring of support for the mission of ODM. A lively auction, heartfelt stories from board members and the community led to over $250,000 being raised to support each program and facility that aids in the transformation of lives all over the Piedmont Triad. Event sponsors such as presenting sponsor Bethany Medical and The Lenny Peters Foundation allowed for an event where all could come together to support our neighbors, our friends, and our families in need. Open Door Ministries was proud to recognize many wonderful members of the community who have made on-going differences in the lives of others.

Board Chair Nancy Bowman recognized Dr. Lenny Peters of Bethany Medical and the Lenny Peters Foundation for his on-going support of ODM and the Masquerade Gala!

Amanda Anderson recognized the dedication of a faithful volunteer, Chase Spector for over 1,000 hours of volunteerism, and highlighted the very importance that volunteers play in aiding ODM in operating 24/7/365.

In addition, the John Yowell Good Samaritan Award was presented. The late John Yowell is remembered by all who knew him for his commitment to community, his caring and passionate heart, and his involvement in Open Door Ministries, Hospice of the Piedmont, The Piedmont School, Old Dominion Trucking, and St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. His dedication led Open Door Ministries to adopt the John Yowell Good Samaritan Award in his honor to recognize those who are dedicated, compassionate, and giving in our community. Don Shaw, a dear friend of Mr. Yowell’s and Joe Blosser, CEO of the Earl and Kathryn Congdon Family Foundation, presented the award to Mr. Tom Eller. Mr. Eller’s dedication to the Open Door Ministries mission, faithful service as Treasurer, and long-time supporter of the community made Tom the perfect recipient. In the words of Don Shaw, Tom has led ODM to a place of unmatched financial position and has done so with integrity and high regard for the organization.

For questions about this press release, please contact:

Executive Director Ryan Ross at 336.830.5562

Director of Development Ivan Huffman at ihuffman@odm-hp.org

For more information about Open Door Ministries please visit www.opendoorministrieshp.org

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Open Door Ministries is a non-profit organization with a faith-based approach, dedicated to helping people regain their independence through supportive services and emergency assistance. Its solution-oriented, ministry-minded programs and services include the operation of a homeless shelter; serving daily meals; distributing non-perishable and fresh food; obtaining permanent housing; providing transitional housing for our nation's veterans; providing case-management for survivors of human trafficking; providing emergency assistance and acquiring and maintaining permanent jobs.

For all photos, please visit: Open Door Ministries - Gala 2025