Press Release
2nd Annual “Stand With Heroes” Gala Returns September 11th to Honor Those Who Serve Gala to Benefit the NCTA Caisson Unit and Mountain Rescue NC
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LAWNDALE, North Carolina – June 8, 2026 –Southern Belle Marketing Agency is proud to present the 2nd Annual “Stand with Heroes” Gala & Family Day Weekend, an event celebrating the bravery, resilience, and selfless service of our military, veterans, first responders, and frontline heroes.
The event will take place on September 11, 2026, at the stunning new Carmichael Farm at South Mountain, owned by former Mecklenburg County Sheriff Irwin Carmichael and his wife, Ronda Carmichael. Nestled against the backdrop of South Mountain, the venue provides a fitting setting for an evening dedicated to honoring America’s heroes.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the North Carolina Troopers Association (NCTA) Caisson Unit and Mountain Rescue NC. The NCTA Caisson Unit is recognized throughout the Southeast for providing distinguished mounted funeral honors for fallen heroes. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Sgt. Rod Murphy, members of the Caisson Unit, and several of the majestic horses that have become symbols of honor, dignity, and remembrance. Funds will also support Mountain Rescue NC’s ongoing mission to
provide disaster relief, recovery assistance, and support for veterans, seniors, and underserved families throughout Western North Carolina and the state.
The evening’s keynote speaker will be Dana A. Draa, a distinguished U.S. Navy Combat Veteran, educator, advocate, and recipient of the 2025 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for her lifelong commitment to service and community impact.
Guests will enjoy LIVE performances by Bailey Marie, Lee Newton, AJ Quates, and Small Town Sunday, along with entertainment from DJ Tony Cutlass. A LIVE auction hosted by The Bidding Barn, owned by NCSHP Trooper Dakota Evans and his wife Mallory Evans, will feature unique items and experiences, with proceeds supporting the event’s beneficiaries, and the grand finale will be a fireworks display.
For event organizer Jennifer Fredell-Saucier, founder of “Stand With Heroes”, the mission is personal. Jennifer has been part of the law enforcement family since childhood. Her brother, W.P. Fredell, is a veteran law enforcement officer with more than 30 years of service, and her husband, Master Trooper J.L. Saucier, has proudly served with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol for 23 years.
“Stand With Heroes is about more than fundraising,” said Fredell-Saucier. “It is about ensuring our military, veterans, and first responders know they are valued, appreciated, and never forgotten. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the men and women who continue to protect and serve our nation and our communities every day.”
Through sponsorships, ticket sales, auction participation, and donations, attendees will directly support organizations making a meaningful impact in the lives of those who have served. As the nation reflects on September 11 and the heroes who answered the call, the “Stand With Heroes” Gala serves as a reminder that supporting those who serve is a responsibility we all share.
For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, auction donations, or additional event information, visit www.StandWithHeroesGala.com.
Newton-Conover NJROTC Color Guard to Open 2nd Annual “Stand with Heroes” Gala
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWTON, NC — March 23, 2026 – Southern Belle Marketing is proud to announce that the Newton-Conover High School NJROTC Color Guard will present the Colors at the 2nd Annual “Stand with Heroes” Gala, scheduled for September 11, 2026, at Carmichael Farm at South Mountain.
This distinguished presentation will set the tone for an evening dedicated to honoring military service members, veterans, first responders, and everyday heroes who serve and protect our communities. Held on Patriot Day, the gala is a celebration of unity, service, and remembrance.
The Newton-Conover High School NJROTC program is widely recognized for cultivating citizenship, character, and leadership among its cadets. The program has earned accolades in Drill, Drone, and Academic competitions, highlighting a tradition of excellence and dedication.
The NJROTC program is led by Chief Petty Officer Matthew Cline, a retired United States Navy veteran with 20 years of service as a Sonar Technician and now in his fourth year as Naval Science Instructor. His operational experience includes deployments to the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific in support of Counter-Narco-Terrorism operations and to the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Under his guidance, cadets have gone on to enlist in the U.S. Navy and earn highly competitive Naval
Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Scholarships.
Proceeds from the gala will benefit the North Carolina Trooper’s Association Caisson Unit and Mountain Rescue NC, both registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations supporting first responders and community rescue efforts across North Carolina.
The Stand with Heroes Gala brings together community leaders, businesses, and supporters for a night of recognition, remembrance, and community impact, while supporting initiatives that honor and serve those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.
For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or to reserve tickets, please visit: www.standwithheroesgala.com
Media Contact:
Jennifer Fredell-Saucier
Email: Jennifer@SouthernBelleMarketing.com
Phone: 704-600-7879
