GRACE is honored to announce longtime supporters, Ana Erwin and Jessica Cruz as the 2021 Chairs for the 18th annual GRACE Gala.
Our annual Gala is the single largest fundraising event for GRACE and revenues from the event are used to fund the many programs and services offered to GRACE clients throughout the year. This year we are proud to announce that the Gala will return to the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas., November 6th.
Ana Erwin, General Manager of Community Impact Newspaper, has been a supporter of GRACE for years and a GRACE Board Member since 2020. Incredibly active in the communities of Grapevine, Colleyville and Southlake. She is also a member of Rotary, on the Grapevine Chamber Board of Directors, and has volunteered on the GRACE Gala committee for several years – 2 years ago as Auction Chair.
“Last year was really, really, really hard for everyone. I am honored to sit on the board of directors at GRACE and to have a front row seat to see all the heart and effort that has gone into helping our community turn a corner from the devastation of 2020 as well as the 2021 winter storm. I am in awe of the staff at GRACE! But the need has increased substantially and I feel so fired up to make this year’s Gala along with my dear friend, Jessica, a huge success. Anyone who knows us knows that we work hard, but we also love to have a good time! We look forward to raising the money necessary to help sustain so many important programs at GRACE while hosting what will be the biggest comeback party of the year!” said Ana.
Jessica Cruz, owner Texas General Store in Grapevine, has been an invaluable part of the GRACE family for years…always ready to go above and beyond for the organization and those in the community that use our services. Jessica is also a member of the Grapevine Rotary Club and the Historic Downtown Grapevine Association.
“I bet many of us have “that moment” when we finally start to see the light, the change, the hope that we would make it to the other side of this pandemic.
For me, it was when I was presented with the honor to host this year’s Gala alongside my friend and superstar, Ana Erwin.
In 2020 we saw people pull together, help each other, and help total strangers. All with distance and masks.
I am in complete awe of the 2020 GRACE Gala team led by Vic and Tina De Vincenzo. It was an easy year for events to just say “Cancelled”, but that wasn’t an option for them. They produced the most amazing virtual Gala, giving proof that our community will always rise to meet the needs of our neighbors even when it doesn’t get to include a live dancefloor throwdown!
However- this year REQUIRES a live dancefloor throwdown!!
I am committed to putting some serious F-U-N into this always phenomenal FUNdraiser because we all deserve it… GRACE deserves it… and our community deserves it!” Jessica said.
The Gala was very successful as an online event, pumping much needed funds in to our life changing programs…but nothing can replace the extravagance and thrills of a live Gala. We can’t wait to see you there!
For opportunities to volunteer, sponsor, or donate, please contact GRACE Special Events Manager at events@GRACEGrapevine.org.
