5 Loaves Ministries is hosting its second annual Deep in the Heart of Texas gala at 6 p.m. Friday, March 20, at The Atrium in Garland.\u00a0File art<\/p>\n
One year into leading 5 Loaves Ministries, Rebekah Rodgers has already left her mark on the nonprofit \u2014 growing its donor base, rebranding the organization and preparing to launch a new family-focused program.<\/p>\n
That momentum continues this month as she prepares to lead the second annual Deep in the Heart of Texas gala, a western-themed fundraiser that begins at 6 p.m. Friday, March 20, at The Atrium in Garland.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Entertainment will be provided by Texas-based singer-songwriter Brady Davis. In addition to a live auction and an online auction beginning March 16, guests may participate in $100 mystery boxes and wine and spirit pulls. VIP table tickets offer early entry and preferred seating. Tickets are available at give
butter.com\/c\/TexasGala.<\/p>\n
Rodgers began working at 5 Loaves as operations manager in 2023 and was promoted to assistant director within a year. In 2024, Wallace began training Rodgers to eventually assume leadership of the nonprofit. When Wallace later accepted a position at Wylie Christian Care Center, Rodgers\u2019 transition timeline accelerated.<\/p>\n
\u201cI started working closely with the board of directors at 5 Loaves to make sure I had a clear idea of what is expected of me and visiting other executive directors at local nonprofits to get their insight and advice,\u201d Rodgers said.<\/p>\n
On April 1, 2025, Rodgers was formally recognized as executive director and began pursuing a goal of making 5 Loaves a household name.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo many times, neighbors have stopped by in the last three years asking who we are and what we do,\u201d she said. \u201cSince April 2025, we have seen tremendous growth in our social media followers, and our donor base has grown exponentially.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rodgers said she also wanted to clarify that 5 Loaves exists \u201cto offer a hand up, not a hand out.\u201d As part of that effort, the organization moved to a biweekly food distribution schedule.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy dividing the client list by last name and serving A-M one week and N-Z another, we are able to stretch our food further, serve more families and also have the hope that people don\u2019t become dependent on us,\u201d Rodgers said.<\/p>\n
A highlight of Rodgers\u2019 first year was the organization\u2019s 10th anniversary celebration in October. The event included a ribbon cutting, open house and announcement of a rebrand from \u201c5 Loaves Food Pantry\u201d to \u201c5 Loaves Ministries.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI wanted to keep the \u20185 Loaves\u2019 to pay homage to where we came from, but by adding the \u2018Ministries,\u2019 it helps people to see us as more than a food pantry,\u201d Rodgers said.<\/p>\n
The anniversary celebration also served as the introduction of the Mustard Seed Project, a new initiative created \u201cto nurture children and families with hope, support and opportunity to break generational cycles while cultivating Christ-centered leaders.\u201d Rodgers said the first phase of the program will launch in March.<\/p>\n
In 2025, 5 Loaves provided food to 36,825 families. Current pantry needs include macaroni and cheese, canned meat and cereal. More information about donations and volunteer opportunities is available at 5loavesministries.org.<\/p>\n