Mission 500 and ESA Gives Back, the association’s charitable and philanthropic program, joined forces to raise money for a security-industry mission trip bringing aid and education to Mexico. ESA sold over 100 tickets for a raffle held during ESX 2014, generating over $10,000 in funding. 
The winner, announced at the show, received a PGA Masters Flag autographed by 25 of golf’s greatest legends including Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson, and Tiger Woods. Mission 500 and ESA Gives Back will continue to seek additional donations to reach their fundraising goal of $30,000.
The mission trip to Mexico, led by ESA Gives Back and Mission 500, who has been selected as the official charity of ESA Gives Back for 2014, is dedicated to providing families in the San Luis Potosí region of Mexico with clean, potable water. Participants will have the opportunity not only to strengthen and construct water sanitation systems, but also to help bolster health awareness and education in local communities. The trip will take place October 27-30; individuals interested in signing up for the trip or supporting the cause can learn more at www.esaweb.org.
On the final day of the ESX show, the winning raffle ticket was drawn and Dana Klesh of United Alarm was announced as the lucky winner of the Masters Flag.
SDM Magazine also partnered with Mission 500 at the 9th annual SDM 100 Gala, which took place on June 25, 2014 in Nashville, pledging $1,500 of the event proceeds towards the trip to Mexico. Additional funds were raised during the Gala through donations and raffle ticket purchases.
“ESA is thrilled to partner with Mission 500 through our philanthropic program ESA Gives Back,” said Merlin Guilbeau, ESA executive director and CEO. “We are looking forward to leading a mission trip to Mexico to make a difference in the lives of those in need. We are fortunate to work in an industry composed of very generous individuals and grateful to be the conduit of change for those in need.”
“We are very grateful for the chance to be a part of ESX, and particularly for the strong commitment ESA has made through its ‘ESA Gives Back’ program to fund the project in Mexico,” said George Fletcher, Advisory board member and Mission 500 volunteer.
(Above Image from left to right: David Koenig, Marshall Marinace (President of ESA), and Bart Didden)