Friday, Oct. 10, 2008

GRACE Gala: Looking for More Angels

GRACE Gala: Looking for More Angels

By Rita Cook

Contributing Writer

There really are angels among us — and at the upcoming fifth annual GRACE Gala you might just meet a few.

Scheduled for Oct. 25, the GRACE Gala 2008 will be at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center and will include cocktails and dinner, a silent auction and a live band.

"Every year’s theme is 'Angels Among Us,’ and we focus on the members of the community who work behind the scenes to make the GRACE services possible," said Shonda Schaefer, executive director for the Grapevine Relief and Community Exchange.

"We give an award each year to one individual or group that has made a significant contribution to the GRACE mission."

The award winner was named at the VIP party on Oct. 9. This year’s recipients are Charlie and Paula Walker of Westlake.

Schaefer said the organization expects a turnout of about 1,000 attendees for the gala.

Ticket prices have also gone up this year to $225 each, or $2,000 for a table of 10 guests.

"We moved the venue to the Gaylord Texan this year and have incurred some additional expenses," Schaefer said.

"We have upgraded the venue, meal and entertainment," she said. "Our auction is considerably larger too, with thousands of dollars more in value. Our raffle this year is really cool. For $50 or three for $100, you get to [select] a prize ... a 2008 Kawasaki Mule, a 6-night stay in Hawaii or a beautiful diamond and platinum pendent."

The silent auction, art gallery and live auction will also include gifts from custom paintings by local artists to a private dinner party on the BNSF Rail Car, to private lessons with former Ranger’s baseball players Rusty Greer and Bobby Witt. Some lucky winner will also end up with a four-night golf trip to St. Andrews in Scotland.

Sponsorships are still available from $1,000 to $15,000, and this year’s title sponsor is the Thompson Group at Classic Chevrolet.

With net proceeds in the amount of $220,000 last year, Schaefer said they hope to net about $380,000 this year and are well on their way.

Started in 1987, GRACE is a faith-based nonprofit relief agency that provides food, clothing and other emergency assistance to people who are in need in Grapevine, Colleyville or Southlake.

The agency, which has seen an increase in demand this year with hard economic times, also offers transitional housing with case management and assistance offered through partnerships with local churches, municipalities, businesses, civic organizations and individuals.

For more information, see www.gracegrapevine.org.