5th Annual Fall Ball
Join us for our 5th Annual Fall Ball on Friday, September 25, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at The Barn at Wall's Pond.
Enjoy an evening of great food, live music by Karla Causey, a silent auction, and fellowship—all while supporting the mission of The Ark.
Guests will enjoy a complimentary champagne welcome and a buffet dinner featuring two entrées, vegetables, salad, rolls, and dessert. Semi-formal attire is requested.
Tickets are $100 per person. To purchase tickets, email Laurenn at theark.director@gmail.com or purchase online here:
https://square.link/u/kWrEJwN3
Sponsorship Opportunities
Businesses and individuals are invited to partner with us through sponsorships. Sponsoring Fall Ball is a wonderful way to support The Ark while gaining recognition in our community.
Bronze Sponsor: $300 (includes 2 tickets)
Silver Sponsor: $500 (includes 4 tickets)
Gold Sponsor: $1,000 (includes 8 tickets)
For sponsorship information or questions, please contact Laurenn at theark.director@gmail.com.
We look forward to celebrating with you and thank you for helping us make a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness.
The ARK
ECHO Ministry, Inc.
Empowering- Change, Hope, & Opportunity
Emergency & Transitional Housing
We serve homeless families and single women who are not victims of domestic violence.
Our goal is to provide a safe and healthy emergency home.
We have a structured environment that promotes personal responsibility, respect and cooperation among guests who seek shelter and services.
How Can You Help Us?
Raise awareness about The Ark and homelessness in our community! Many do not realize there is a shelter in Elkin. We usually have a waiting list and cannot serve all those who call us. Homelessness can affect anyone.
Mission and History
Inspired by Christ's example, The ARK Honors and Respects the humanity and dignity of its guests and staff members, affirming that every person is precious in God's sight.
The Ark provides a safe, drug and alcohol free environment for families and single women who need emergency or transitional housing.
The Ark empowers its guests to stabilize their lives by helping them secure permanent housing and employment.
ECHO Ministry: Empowerment Creates Hope and Opportunity
History:
In 1998, Volunteers at Tri-County Christian Crisis Ministry were the first to recognize the need for a shelter in our community. Jane Motsinger was the head of a Steering Committee to help with research and start the shelter.
In 1999, ECHO Ministry received tax-exempt status as a 501 c (3).
March 1, 2000: The first guest at The ARK arrives, and The ARK has not been empty a single night, and by 2002, a larger home is needed!!
August, 2006: After architectural approvals, Magnolia Construction builds the new facility, and an open house is held on August 28.
March 1, 2015: The ARK celebrates its 15th anniversary with an Open House and invites everyone to celebrate at The ARK.
November, 2017: Cardboard City fundraiser was started and has become our biggest fundraiser!
September, 2022: Fall Ball fundraiser was started & has become an annual semi-formal event with live music and a silent auction.
February, 2026: Clean out the basement in preparation for Street Outreach! Street Outreach will include- case management, a shower, & laundry services. Each unsheltered individual will be connected to all necessary resources. We will help each unsheltered individual or family ultimately find housing! We hope to finish this project in the Fall/winter of 2026.
We believe anyone can embrace who they are,
define their future, and change the world.
Our Staff
Laurenn Singleton Pendergraft, Executive Director
Cynthia Cothren, Director of Grants and Fundraising
Andrea Hardin, Case Manager
Night/Weekend Managers:
Tracy Mays
Janine Lewis
Brooke Milhoan
Alexis Williams