Many familiar names will grace the top levels of sponsor listings for this year’s GRACE Gala at the Vineyard Towers in the Gaylord Texan Resort on November 15.
Our 22nd annual Gala will again feature BoomerJack’s Grill, The Church Lawyers, Irwin Steel, LifeBranch Wealth Partners, and Wright Construction Company. All will welcome Albert Puig and the Puig Family rising from a Bronze sponsorship in 2024 to the Titanium tier this year.
Topping our In Kind sponsor list again are American Airlines, Opal Esthetics, and NBC 5.
BoomerJack’s owners Kimberly and Brent Tipps have been a part of the Gala since serving as co-chairs of the event in 2019. To recognize the level of their commitment this year, we created a special naming opportunity: BoomerJack’s Grill is the very first Vineyard Tower Sponso. If you have a chance, please drop into one of their locations and let them know how much they are appreciated. To find a location near you go to https://boomerjacks.com.
In just two years, Christina and David Middlebrook—The Church Lawyers—have taken the GRACE Gala to new levels, literally. Last year we added the “Diamond” level sponsorship just to recognize the couple’s generosity. Their advocacy is exemplary—the Middlebrooks always purchase additional tables for their friends and associates, many who have proven to be very good Live Auction bidders! You can learn more about their Grapevine-based law firm at https://thechurchlawyers.com.
The generosity of James Irwin and Irwin Steel is nearly unprecedented. Since his very first gift in September 2018, Mr. Irwin has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in relief to all those we serve. He has urged his suppliers and vendors—even members of his own family—to do the same. Not only does Mr. Irwin sponsor the Gala at one of the highest levels, his bidding during the Gala Live Auction is legendary. Mr. Irwin’s phenomenal story continues here: https://irwinsteel.net.
Morgan Nichols embodies the generous offering of time, talent, and treasure. She is a dedicated supporter of both the GRACE Gala and Designer Bags & Bingo. Last month she helped fund the GRACE Back-to-School program giving many local children a great start to the school year. Now, Ms. Nichols has joined the GRACE Board of Directors and is helping to direct the GRACE mission into the future. Find out more about this amazing woman at https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/team/lifebranch-wealth-partners/.
Albert Puig made his first donation to GRACE in August 2023, and his dedication to GRACE has grown with each subsequent gift. Albert, his wife Patricia, and the entire Puig Family are the newest arrivals at the top of the Gala sponsors’ list. Founder and CEO of ARPCO Transport Services, Albert has made it his mission to use his transportation and logistics expertise to help those in need. “There is no shortage of food in America,” says Albert. “Yet there is hunger. The problem is lack of transportation.” Find out more: https://www.arpco.com/about.php.
Balla Wright, Lemoine Wright, Kindal Wright Kreamer, and the entire Wright Family have been supporters, advocates, and leaders of GRACE for many years. The legacy of family patriarch Joe Wright lives strongly on in his family and in the construction company that bears his name. In nearly every aspect of GRACE, from
financial support, to guidance, advice and direction, to the very roof over our heads, the Wrights have been an essential part of the GRACE mission. Their remarkable history and achievements are here: http://wrightconst.com/about.
Our In Kind sponsors provide materials and resources to generate proceeds to help sustain GRACE programming throughout the year. Local businesses and others give packages that are sold through the Gala Silent, Big Board, and Live auctions. Media partners help GRACE get the word out about our mission and the impact it has on those in need.
American Airlines returns as one of our top In Kind sponsors. The airline gives GRACE thousands of miles we use to boost interest in our amazing destination resort auction packages. American’s involvement adds a touch of prestige, appeal, and value to each item. In addition, American Airlines miles add a layer of excitement and opportunity that help ensure a successful auction. Go here for more: https://www.aa.com.
Speaking of amazing destinations, Leslie Rae Cloin and Opal Esthetics return to the GRACE Gala with some fantastic auction offerings, including spectacular stays in Maui and the Bahamas. With more than 17 years experience in the health and beauty industry, Ms. Cloin, Opal Esthetics’ founder, is frequently recognized for her full range of innovative services to unwind the body, reboot the mind and transform stress into balance. The rest of Ms. Cloin’s amazing story is here: https://opalesthetic.com/about.
GRACE is honored, once again, to welcome the Dallas-Fort Worth NBC affiliate, NBC5, as the Media Sponsor of the GRACE Gala. News reporter Maria Guerrero will take the Gala stage this year to serve as emcee. This is NBC5’s seventh year in a row as the Gala Media Sponsor, and the first year for Ms. Guerrero as emcee. She was raised in Lufkin, Texas and earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism at Louisiana State University. For more on Ms. Guerrero, go here: https://www.nbcdfw.com/author/maria-guerrero/.
Many give of their energy, expertise, and earnings to make the GRACE Gala a success. Without the efforts of these, and all our sponsors, the GRACE Gala would just be another fantastic party. Support from our sponsors takes the event to a higher purpose: a joining of corporate partners, places of worship, civic organizations, individuals, and many others who share the same desire to help those in need.
