May 8, 2024- MySweetCharity- by Jeanne Prejean
Unlike years past, when Family Gateway held its Gateway to Opportunity featuring such speakers as former First Lady Laura Bush, her daughters Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush, Chris Gardner, Daymond John and Magic Johnson as the keynote speakers, the organization helping families affected by homelessness is shifting its fundraising directions.
Instead of a luncheon, it’s going to let guests don their dancing shoes and listen to Texas country legend Neal McCoy play at its inaugural Denim and Diamonds from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, November 14 at Gilley’s Dallas.
Despite the change of formats, the Annette G. Strauss Community Service Award will still be presented. This year it’s going to a couple of gents — Joel Williams III and Charles O’Connell — for “their work to help transform the homeless response system and their commitment to the mission of Family Gateway.”
According to Family Gateway President/CEO Ellen Magnis, “These gentlemen have worked behind the scenes for years to quietly encourage support for changing how our community responds to homelessness, much of it based on the successful model Houston implemented. While we are in the early days of this transformation, it is important for us to highlight the gentle but persistent manner in which these two great men have worked towards fulfilling their personal legacies. These are two of my favorite people in the fight to help improve the lives of incredibly vulnerable children and adults in our community.”
Tickets and sponsorships are available here. And as usual, upgrades have their perks. For instance, in the days leading up to the hoedown, Honorary Co-Chairs Michelle and Rich Frymire will host an invitation-only patron party. And then for the highest rollers, there is a “private backstage reception with Neal.
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