The Cowboys and Cowboys Sky Ranch Gala welcomed over 700 attendees at its 9th annual fundraiser held at the Renaissance Dallas Hotel on February 20. This year, thanks to the gala’s overwhelming participation, the organization exceeded fundraising goals, which will allow provision of scholarships for deserving kids to go to summer camp and to support the invaluable ministries at Sky Ranch. Visit: www.CowboysAndCowboys.com.
NFL Dallas Cowboy and Texas Aggie icon Dat Nguyen served as the Honorary Celebrity Chair and led a virtual Who’s Who of cowboys from the gridiron as well as from the rodeo arena at the event.
Among the sportsmen alongside Nguyen were Dallas Cowboys: Doug Donley; Tony Dorsett; Dixon Edwards; Ebenezer Ekuban; John Fitzgerald; Jesse Holley; Bradie James; Lee Roy Jordan; Tony Liscio; Don McIlhenny; Timmy Newsome; Drew Pearson; Roy Williams; Darren Woodson; and more. Rodeo Cowboys: Jeffery Collins; Bob Logue; Scott Mendes; Rope Myers and more.
Although the crowd made a true Texas fashion statement at this boots and bling western soirée and auction, they were there for a greater purpose: to support Sky Ranch, who for over 60 years has been one of America’s leading summer camps and conference centers.
Funds raised at the Cowboys and Cowboys Sky Ranch Gala support the ministry and the Scholarship Gift Program. These initiatives provide opportunities for children facing circumstances beyond their control to attend a life-changing week of summer camp.
The Cowboys and Cowboys Sky Ranch Gala began in 2008 and has been supported by Honorary Celebrity Co-Chairs Rope Myers and Walt Garrison since its inception. Each year, Dallas Cowboys from the football field and Cowboys from the rodeo arena join together with individuals, families and businesses to support Sky Ranch programs.
Over the years, Cowboys and Cowboys Sky Ranch Gala has been led by many celebrity cowboys who have served as Honorary Celebrity Chairs including: Chad Hennings Darren Woodson and Hall of Famers Roger Staubach, Tony Dorsett, Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin. They have been joined by World Champion Rodeo Cowboys Joe Beaver, Trevor Brazile, Larry Mahan and many other notable celebrity guests.
During the gala, media personality Scott Murray and Heather Hays, KDFW-FOX 4 Anchor, engaged the audience as entertaining emcees. The Kilgore College Rangerettes served as hostesses and joined the Corps of Cadets from Daggett Middle School to post colors. The audience also enjoyed a special performance by Tony Dorsett’s daughter Mia, who sang the National Anthem.
One of the highlights of the evening was the live and silent auction. Each year, over 300 businesses and families in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area generously donate their services, products, experiences and more to the Cowboys and Cowboys Sky Ranch Gala. Two of the most sought after live auction items were a vacation experience for 14 to Tuscany and a premier Texas A&M football game package including a behind the scenes weekend hosted by Dat Nguyen including sideline passes, team meetings, locker room tour, Spirit Walk with the team and dinner before the game with Former Aggie Football Coach R.C. Slocum. Leading the live auction was 2014 International Champion Auctioneer, Wendy Lambert.
“We are very fortunate to have so many servant-leaders in the North Texas community join us at the Cowboys and Cowboys Sky Ranch Gala each year,” said Linda Paulk, Sky Ranch CEO. “Their unwavering support helps us provide a life-transforming experience in a fun, safe Christ-centered environment where kids can learn, explore and grow into godly character leaders.”
About Sky Ranch
Impacting nearly 70,000 guests each year, Sky Ranch offers an unparalleled array of programs, activities and experiences in a safe positive and exciting environment. With 61 years of experience and 4 locations, including a newly acquired second Colorado site, Sky Ranch is dedicated to creating unique camp opportunities and promoting intentional, recreation-based learning and personal growth, while pursuing excellence in service and facilities.
Its caring and carefully selected counselors encourage fun, purposeful interactions and provide extraordinary and meaningful camp experiences that impact lives forever. Visit www.skyranch.org