Kayanne and Matt Forney will lead the GRACE Gala Auction activities for the 2020 campaign.
Kayanne and Matt Forney officially took the reins of the 2020 Gala Auction at last week’s Planning Session. Gala Chairs Tina and Vic DeVincenzo introduced the Southlake couple to the Gala Committee.
“Only a strong and enthusiastic team can take on an event the magnitude of the GRACE Gala,” said GRACE CEO Shonda Schaefer in her welcome to the Forney’s. “From sponsorships, to auction, to raffle—every part needs to be in place and running at peak efficiency. And that’s all before a single centerpiece is placed on the tables!”
The Forney’s will lead a large team that acquires in-kind gifts, unique experiences, travel opportunities, and other donations from local, national and international contacts. These gifts will be on sale in the Silent, Big Board, and Live Auctions during the night of the Gala, Saturday, November 7.
“We are honored to be serving GRACE,” said Kayanne. “We are so impressed by the volunteers and staff who work so hard to make [the GRACE Gala] a success.”
In addition to guiding the auction volunteers, the Forney’s bring to GRACE a deep portfolio of relationships they have forged in numerous volunteer and professional capacities.
Kayanne has dedicated much of her life in volunteer service including working with the Young Men’s Service League with her four sons. She has served with Moms In Prayer and the AWANAS group.
Kayanne led the Fair Oaks Ranch Elementary PTO as president when she established the annual Cowboy Breakfast and Carnival, the largest fundraiser for the San Antonio-area school.
Matt has coached many of his sons’ youth sports teams and taught Sunday school class with Kayanne for several years. Kayanne jokes it was probably the only preschool class that involved a professional PowerPoint presentation.
“Matt led them as he would any other organizational team,” said Kayanne. “Somehow they seemed to respond to it!”
Now in its seventeenth year, the 2020 GRACE Gala is the most important one yet. Funds raised will provide relief to families struggling to get back on their feet from the furloughs, layoffs, health concerns, and economic collapse brought on by COVID-19.
“Now more than ever GRACE’s services are needed,” said Kayanne. “We pray that, despite these unprecedented times, this year’s Gala will be a tremendous success and enable GRACE to continue its service.”
To be a part of the Gala Auction, or other Gala activities, please contact GRACE Special Events Manager Christina Cates at 817-305-4672, or GRACE Community Engagement Director Lara Hohweiler at 817-305-4653.
