January 24, 2025- MySweetCharity- by Jeanne Prejean
Leave it to Family Gateway to celebrate the Texas way of partying in order to honor the special people helping families escaping homelessness. All the hoop-la took place at Gilley’s Dallas on Thursday, November 14, for the inaugural Denim And Diamonds Gala. With all the boots scooting on the dance floor to country western legend Neal McCoy onstage, and denim being the look of the night, it was a diamond of a night. Here’s a report from the field:
The best mantra for a special event is the K.I.S.S. method which stand for “Keep It Simple, Sir” according to one veteran fundraising executive. Organizers of the Denim and Diamonds event at Gilley’s Dallas on Thursday, November 14, stuck with that mantra to the delight of 400-plus guests, most of whom were clad in denim (and few diamonds) in the Southside Ballroom at the inaugural event benefiting Family Gateway. Maker Bros. was the presenting sponsor.
What was missing was what made the evening so special — no silent or live auctions, no raffle tickets, no long-winded speeches, just hearty food, great music and very brief remarks. The second factor that made the evening meaningful was the presentation of the Annette G. Strauss Community Service Award to Family Gateway stalwarts Joel T. Williams and Charles “Charlie” O’Connell.
The Annette G. Strauss Community Service Award is given to an individual who goes above and beyond the call of duty to serve children and families.
Joel was cited for his longtime supporter of children’s causes, his service on The Meadows Foundation Board and as a former Mayor of the Town of Highland Park.
“Joel’s warm and willingness to learn was pivotal in bringing together key players to restructure and improve the way we respond to homelessness in Dallas and Collin Counties,” said Family Gateway CEO Ellen Magnis.
Charlie was recognized for his service on the Family Gateway Advisory Board in Dallas after his leadership role in Houston’s homeless response system prior to moving to Dallas.
“Charlie’s deep understanding of the policies surrounding homelessness made him critical, like Joel, in reshaping the homeless system in Dallas and Collin Counties,” said Ellen.
Joining the award recipients and event Honorary Chairs Michelle and Rich Frymire, who are longtime Family Gateway advocates who cheerfully watched as the 5-minute paddle raise netted $40,000 per minute for an impressive $200,000 to fund Family Gateway’s programming and expansion…all in 300 seconds!
After the whirlwind paddle raise, Neal McCoy, recipient of multiple humanitarian awards from the Academy of Country Music and The Country Radio Broadcasters Association, performed favorites from his 15 studio albums and three platinum-certified albums to the delight of the guests.
And then is it was “happy trails” …. until 2025.
Family Gateway’s mission is to empower children and families affected by homelessness. Visit familygateway.org for more information.
Read full story here.