Dale Cummings performs at the 11th annual men’s breakfast in support of Breckenridge Village of Tyler. The event was held Saturday in Bullard.

Early Saturday morning, Breckenridge Village of Tyler residents and others gathered at KE Bushman’s Celebration Center for the 11th annual men’s breakfast. Over 400 people attended.

Breckenridge Village of Tyler is self-described as “a caring residential community for adults with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities.” It has been in operation for 20 years.

Linda Taylor, associate executive director of advancement for BVT, says its mission is to care for people who can never care for themselves.

“Without a safe place, they might be abused, neglected, so we provide that safe place for them,” she said. “It’s a home. There’s nothing institutional about Breckenridge.”

“They’re not just administrators, they know all the residents by name, and they’re in it. They’re being the hands and feet of Jesus,” says keynote speaker and Christian radio spokesman Mike Harper.

The event kicked off with a classic car show and live music by Dale Cummings in the parking lot.

“It’s a beautiful morning with all these cars. I know nothing about them, but I like the way they look,” Harper joked.

The breakfast portion of the event was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by the grandchildren of Pierre de Wet, a longtime friend and supporter of Breckenridge Village of Tyler.

De Wet, who died in 2016, was a driving force in raising funds for BVT. Before his death, de Wet declared that BVT was going to raise $3 million and build three new residential homes.

“Today’s event is celebrating the fact that we were able to raise that money, we were able to build those homes,” Taylor said.

The theme of the event was “God Bless America, God Bless Texas.” This theme was echoed in country artist Casey Rivers’ performance of two songs during the breakfast: “Proud To Be an American,” and “In God We Still Trust.” He also joined the residents of Breckenridge in dance and song with “Blue Suede Shoes.”

“It’s a special place for me, it’s a special place for this community, and it’s a special place for the families and residents,” Rivers said. “It’s a special place because it’s a God-fearing place.”

This year was the first that BVT is awarding the Pierre de Wet Award — recognition for those who are doing work and benefiting those who are disabled.

State Rep. Matt Schaeffer, R-Tyler, was given this honor after leading on House Bill 3117, which provides better care options for adult Texans with developmental disabilities.

Taylor says: “The goal of the event is to celebrate a community of people who are often forgotten, and we celebrate a man that brought hope.”

Keynote speaker Harper shared his personal experience of becoming a Christian, and gave a call to action to the audience: “Breckenridge is putting faith into action, and we’re called to be a part of that. We all have two hands, and two feet, we have a heart, and we all have the ability to do something.”

For information about residential care, program activities or to give to BVT, visit www.breckenridgevillage.com or call 903- 596-8100