The Ballard House Story
In 2006, Keller Williams Premier Realty in Katy responded to a challenge from the CEO, Mo Anderson, to "leave a legacy" by founding Cinco Charities, Inc. The organization aimed to provide temporary housing for patients and caregivers visiting the Katy/West Houston area for medical treatments. While working towards their ultimate goal of a free-of-charge hospitality house for patients, Cinco Charities initially housed families in nearby hotels through the support of generous sponsors and friends at fundraising events.In 2011, cancer patient Erin Ballard learned about Cinco Charities through her oncologist, Dr. Sunil Patel at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Katy. Inspired, she donated one of her rental properties, named Erin's House, to expand Cinco Charities' outreach. Families embraced Erin's House as their "home away from home" during their loved ones' treatments.Touched by Cinco Charities' mission, Monty Ballard established The Ballard Foundation to support the construction of their hospitality house in Katy. In December 2013, The Ballard House, a 20,000-square-foot facility on three acres, officially opened, welcoming families from around the world for medical treatments. The generous support from the community and dedicated volunteers has been instrumental in making The Ballard House a home for those in need.
Celebrated a decade of providing a home away from home to thank our incredible donors and supporters
October 6, 2023
To the Amazing KW Agents of the Katy Market Center and Cinco Charities:
We cannot begin to find words to describe the inspiration and awe that you bring to our hearts and minds. As a company, we have always been steadfast in our belief that when you touch hearts, you move people into action. In 2005 at the Inspirational Morning during Family Reunion, we challenged Keller Williams associates and leaders to Leave a Legacy. Without a doubt, your hearts were touched because no other market center, region, or group in this company has ever been moved into action at such a high level as our KW Katy family.
Without passion, there can be no vision. The founding of Cinco Charities, your dedicated fundraising and community partnerships, followed by the building of the Ballard House demonstrate the power of a vision realized by passion! We applaud your owners, Kathy Girgenti and Gayle Huffman, for their insight and determination to form the 501c3 that became a seed planted only to blossom into a fruitful garden of generosity. We are grateful to the Ballard family and to MD Anderson for their grants and gifts which watered the garden and promoted such incredible growth. And, most of all, we praise every Keller Williams associate who has personally contributed to Cinco Charities and the Ballard House. Each and every donation is an act of cultural leadership that proves the higher purpose of business is to give, care, and share.
The longevity of your commitment and service to your community is rare and unique. This dedication shows us what you are truly made of! We cannot begin to tell you how sincerely honored we are to be in business with each of you. Undoubtedly, every family you have touched and the businesses you partner with are grateful beyond measure for your immovable determination to change lives. You have left a legacy!
May God continue to bless and guide Cinco Charities and may He forever cover the Ballard House with His hands of love.
With love, gratitude and continued prayers,
Mo