An evening of breezy blue waters, bubbles, and exotic sea side wonders greeted guests whenFrisco Family Services hosted their 19th Annual Gala on Saturday, April 27 at the Dr Pepper Arena in Frisco. Presented by Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano and chaired by Jennifer Barnes, Gala 2013 - ONE was an all-inclusive event featuring great food from fabulous area restaurants, and live entertainment. The evening also included live and silent auctions and a luxury raffle.
Funds raised at the gala will be used to support the programs and services of Frisco Family Services (FFS). The mission of FFS is to help members of the Frisco and Frisco ISD communities who are facing hunger, homelessness and other urgent needs improve their quality of life and achieve self-sufficiency.
“Everyone who attended Gala 2013 – ONE came for the one purpose of giving our neighbors a hand up,” Melanie Perkins, development director, said. “We came together as one selfless and generous community and made one big impact while having a great night. I’m so thankful for all of our generous supporters and attendees. ”
Guests enjoyed dancing to the sounds of the always popular Emerald City Band and bidding on hundreds of live and silent auction items. The live auction featured several once-in-a-lifetime trips (for example, trips to the U.S. Open and Napa Valley), sports packages and one-of-a-kind experiences such as a celebrity chef preparing dinner for 12 people in your home with wine pairings, a string trio and a personal photographer. Our generous supporters also raised money during the event to help fund our utilities assistance program ensuring clients will be able to keep their electricity and other utilities on during the warm summer months.
“My heart is filled with joy and a deep appreciation for our amazing supporters who are committed to ensuring that families in crisis in our community are not forgotten,” Nicole S. Bursey, executive director, said. “Their generosity not only helps make certain that families have food and shelter and are able to keep their utilities connected during life’s storms, but also provides them with hope for a brighter tomorrow. On behalf of the more than 3,200 individuals served, thank you for standing with us as one to serve our community.”
In addition to the presenting sponsor Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano, other major sponsors included: Advanced Fixtures Inc.; ThyssenKrupp Elevator; Nordstrom; Dr Pepper Snapple Group; Rent-A-Center; Jack and Carol Wilson; Sam Roach Business Center; Amerisource Bergen; Baylor Medical Center at Frisco; Strasburger Attorneys at Law; Abernathy, Roeder, Boyd & Joplin; Land Rover; Rudman Partnership; Community Trust Bank; Frisco Style Magazine; Frisco Enterprise; FastSigns Mesquite; Bank of the Ozarks; Comstock Resources; Grant Thornton, LLP; KPMG; and Montgomery, Coscia, Greilich LLP.
Restaurant Partners included One 2 One Restaurant and Bar, Kotta Sushi, Palio’s Pizza Café, III Dimensional Catering/Baylor Medical Center, Rudy’s Country Store & Bar-B-Q, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, Cedars Woodfire Grill, La Madeleine, Hooters, Crudo Wood Fired Taverna, Cristina’s Fine Mexican Restaurant, Texas Land and Cattle, and Kenny’s Smoke House.
The evening concluded with the Luxury Raffle drawing where FFS volunteers were the winners. Marla Johnston won the $10,000 Visa Gift Card and John and Karen Tegeler won the trip to Maui, Hawaii.
Links to photos from the event can be found at www.friscofamilyservices.org/gala.
About Frisco Family Services
Frisco Family Services is a nonprofit 501 (c) 3 organization serving the communities of Frisco and Frisco ISD. The mission of Frisco Family Services is to help members of our communities who are facing hunger, homelessness and other urgent needs improve their quality of life and achieve self-sufficiency.