Blake, Kymberly and George Rapier Charitable Trust Donates $2.2 Million To SAMMinistries
Gift is largest in history of San Antonio homeless ministry.
SAN ANTONIO, TX, April 10, 2011
Dr. George and Kym Rapier today (Thursday, April 7, 2011) announced a personal donation of $2.2 million to SAMMinistries, which is the largest single donation in the ministry's 28-year history.Navarra Williams, CEO and President of SAMMinistries says, "This gift from the Blake, Kymberly and George Rapier Charitable Trust could not have come at a better time. We are looking at a budget that will soon exceed $8 million - a $3 million increase in just the last two years! Plus, in one year alone, our shelter budget increased $1.3 million with the move of the Emergency Shelter from Commerce to Haven for Hope."
Williams added that $2 million would be used for the variety of services the ministry provides to the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless, but especially for the Homeless Prevention Program and SAMMinistries at Haven for Hope program. The remaining $200,000 is earmarked for Furniture for a Cause, the ministry's social enterprise, retail furniture store at 5254 Blanco Road.
The Rapiers have been supporting SAMMinistries since 2008 when they joined the Amini family to help launch the non-profit's Homeless Prevention Program, which helps individuals and families remain in their existing homes and avoid becoming homeless. Their initial donation was $300,000.
Dr. Rapier says, "We are thrilled to build upon a successful partnership with SAMMinistries because their programs are essential to reducing poverty for the future benefit of the San Antonio community."
Just last year the Homeless Prevention Program assisted 3,674 individuals to remain in their home. "This program was supported by $1 million in stimulus funding which is going away, and we simply cannot let such an invaluable program disappear," Williams added.
Dr. Rapier also issued a challenge to SAMMinistries to raise an additional $2 million by September 30, 2011. "Kym and I challenge the San Antonio community to match the full $2 million. A gift to SAMMinistries is a wise investment in San Antonio's future by helping families in ALL stages of homelessness - those families in danger of homelessness, those experiencing homelessness and those transitioning to independence. We are hopeful that the residents of San Antonio will recognize the great contribution SAMMinistries makes to the city, and join us to support the ministry financially."
In 2011, the Blake, Kymberly and George Rapier Charitable Trust have pledged more than $18 million to San Antonio-area causes. More details about these donations will be released soon.
Dr. Rapier is Founder, Chairman and CEO of WellMed Medical Management, Inc., the largest primary care provider for seniors in Texas. Kym Rapier is Founder and President of Silver Life Fitness, a WellMed subsidiary that offers no-cost fitness classes to older adults in several Texas communities.
Dr. George and Kym Rapier founded the Blake, Kymberly and George Rapier Charitable Trust in 2006. Since then, The Rapier Charitable Trust has donated more than $1 million annually to various causes, including stay-in-school and youth initiatives, animals in need, seniors and children's health programs.
This year, the Rapier Charitable Trust already has pledged more than $18 million to San Antonio-area non-profits. To learn more about the Rapier Trust's signature program, Kym's Kids, visit http://www.KymsKids.org.