The excitement for the 23rd Annual GRACE Gala starts on Wednesday, September 9th at 6 p.m. with our annual Gifting Party at Crush It! Social. This high-energy evening is the official kickoff to Gala season. Supporters, local businesses, volunteers, and friends of GRACE are invited to come together for a night of giving, games, and connection as we begin building this year’s Gala auction.
To join in on the giving, guests are encouraged to bring an item valued at $100 or more to contribute to the Gala auction. From gift cards and experiences to products, services, wine, whiskey bottles, and unique finds, we welcome it all. Each donation helps strengthen the silent auction and, ultimately, raises funds that allow GRACE to continue serving individuals and families throughout our community.
Guests can look forward to enjoying Crush It! Social’s food and drinks, along with the interactive games and sports experiences that make the venue such a fun place to gather. Between the games, friendly competition, and time to connect, the Gifting Party creates an atmosphere where supporting a great cause feels just as enjoyable as it is meaningful.
It goes without saying, but the heart of the Gifting Party has always been its community. Whether you are a local business owner, a GRACE volunteer, or a longtime supporter, each plays a role in helping make the GRACE Gala possible. Every item donated and every person who chooses to get involved helps move the mission of GRACE forward and strengthens the support available to individuals and families in our community.
Leading the charge for this year’s auction is Auction Chair Kim Dobecka, alongside a dedicated committee working to make this year’s selection one guests will be excited to bid on. The Gifting Party gives everyone a chance to be part of that work while helping the committee build an auction filled with memorable experiences, sought-after items, and generous contributions from throughout the community.
This year’s Gala Chairs, Morgan and Brian Nichols, are bringing the season together under the theme “Growing in GRACE.” The theme reflects the heart behind the work GRACE does every day: creating opportunities for people to move forward and build stronger futures. Guests interested in becoming more involved can also learn about Gala sponsorship opportunities and other ways individuals and businesses can support this year’s event.
The Gifting Party will also give guests a first look at this year’s exciting Gala raffle. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the raffle, purchase tickets, and get in on the excitement well before Gala night arrives.
GRACE is grateful to Mike Speets, owner of Crush It! Social, for continuing to welcome the Gifting Party back to the venue year after year. His generosity and continued support have helped make Crush It! a familiar home for this special gathering and an important part of the tradition. Partnerships like Mike’s show what can happen when local businesses choose to stand alongside GRACE and invest in the work happening throughout our community.
It all starts September 9th. Bring a great auction item, bring a friend, and come ready to kick off another incredible Gala season as we continue Growing in GRACE together.
For more information on how to support the 2026 GRACE Gala, please contact Erica Baker at ebaker@gracegrapevine.org or visit http://www.gracegala.com
