The 2026 First Responder Support Gala is our signature annual event and the cornerstone of our fundraising efforts for the year. This meaningful evening brings together community leaders, businesses, and residents to honor the firefighters, EMTs, emergency telecommunications professionals, and law enforcement officers who serve Boone County and its municipalities with courage, dedication, and sacrifice.

This Gala directly fuels the programs and services of First Responder Support, allowing us to strengthen goodwill between first responders and the community, increase awareness of the realities faced on the front lines, and provide meaningful relief and support to those who serve. Simply put, without the commitment of our community partners and sponsors, this mission would not be possible.

Sponsorships play a vital role in the success of this event and offer a powerful opportunity for businesses and organizations to stand visibly beside our local heroes. From premier recognition opportunities to heartfelt impact, every sponsorship level helps ensure our first responders and their families know they are valued, supported, and never alone.

General admission tickets are also available for those who wish to be part of this unforgettable night. Purchasing tickets early helps secure the resources needed to support our mission throughout the year and allows us to plan an evening that truly honors those we serve.

Join us on Friday, February 13, 2026, for an inspiring night of gratitude, connection, and purpose. Whether through sponsorship or attendance, your support helps deliver a lasting message of hope, resilience, and appreciation to the first responders who protect our community every day.

Find more information about tickets, sponsorship, and the YHMH Gala here.

Shop with a Hero (SWAH) is a meaningful holiday tradition where local families and local heroes come together to create Christmas magic. Each year, we pair deserving families with children under age 16 with a First Responder who spends the evening shopping with them at Walmart using a provided gift card. Kids get to pick out Christmas gifts, parents get to breathe a little easier, and our First Responders get the chance to connect with the people they serve in a joyful, personal way.

Dates: 12/9, 12/11, 12/16

Location: West Broadway Walmart

Shop with a Hero (SWAH) is a meaningful holiday tradition where local families and local heroes come together to create Christmas magic. Each year, we pair deserving families with children under age 16 with a First Responder who spends the evening shopping with them at Walmart using a provided gift card. Kids get to pick out Christmas gifts, parents get to breathe a little easier, and our First Responders get the chance to connect with the people they serve in a joyful, personal way.

Dates: 12/9, 12/11, 12/16

Location: Grindstone Walmart

Shop with a Hero (SWAH) is a meaningful holiday tradition where local families and local heroes come together to create Christmas magic. Each year, we pair deserving families with children under age 16 with a First Responder who spends the evening shopping with them at Walmart using a provided gift card. Kids get to pick out Christmas gifts, parents get to breathe a little easier, and our First Responders get the chance to connect with the people they serve in a joyful, personal way.

Dates: 12/9, 12/11, 12/16

Location: Conley Walmart