The Supporting Heroes organization will be honoring the lives of a record 35 fallen first responders at their 16th annual Heroes Gala on July 10 at the Convention Center.
Supporting Heroes supports the families of frontline workers — police, firefighters, EMS and more — after they pass. The group supports families in Indiana, Kentucky and Missouri with financial assistance and other needed support.
The annual gala gives the families a tribute to their fallen heroes and allows a sense of support from the other survivors, Founder Eric Johnson said.
This year Johnson said they will be honoring 35 workers from across the three states, the highest thus far for their organization.
“That is the worst year. The highest number we’ve ever honored is 19, and that was a bad year,” Johnson said.
Of the 35 that have passed, 15 were COVID-19-related deaths.
“We will do a very, very powerful tribute to those who fell last year,” Johnson said. “Then we will also recognize and honor all previously fallen heroes whose family members are there that night.”
Johnson said this event is good for the families because it allows them a chance to honor their loved ones while also allowing them to commune with other families. Before the Saturday gala, there will be an event at Friday After 5 where they are able to meet with other families and the organization.
While this event is designed to lift up the families, Johnson said it is also a chance for the whole community to show support.
“Part of it is for [the families] to have an enjoyable time and to make new friends,” Johnson said. “And to see that the community supports them. The community appreciates what their loved one did.”
To learn more, head to the Supporting Heroes website.
