The Turner Courts Gym was transformed from a basketball court into a fine dining atmosphere on the evening of Tuesday, March 20, 2007. Many friends and supporters gathered to celebrate another year in which God allowed H.I.S. BridgeBuilders to minister to individuals and families in the Dallas, San Antonio, Boston and Clarksburg communities. Pastor Bryan Carter, H.I.S. BridgeBuilders board member and Pastor of Concord Church in Dallas, welcomed the many guests. V’s Café was then officially open for business on this wonderful evening. Velma Mitchell, culinary visionary of the soon-to-come V’s Café, prepared the much-anticipated meal for all the guests. Special guest Dan Dean, Pastor of Heartland Church & vocalist with Phillips, Craig & Dean, led the group in a time of worship as all enjoyed their meal. Mike Fechner, Founder & President of H.I.S. BridgeBuilders, then presented the first annual H.I.S. BridgeBuilders of the Year awards to Dr. Wright Lassiter, Chancellor of the Dallas County Community College District and to George Shaffer, Former Chairman of Industrial Properties. Both men are long time supporters of the ministry and their dedication to the vision of H.I.S. BridgeBuilders was honored that evening. A video presentation highlighting the Education, Employment Training, Medical, Spiritual Development and Economic Development pieces of BridgeBuilders as well as the landmarks of 2006 was shown. Concluding the evening, Pastor Carter encouraged the guests through a time of prayer and contemplation to consider personal involvement in the ministry of H.I.S. BridgeBuilders. The ministry depends greatly on the gifts of time, energy, finances, and resources of so many to carry out the mission of building bridges of God’s love, one life at a time.