Best Buddies Texas 4th Annual Champion of the Year Gala—“Carnival of Inclusion” Brought Hundreds Together for a Wild Inclusive Night

Best Buddies Texas 4th Annual Champion of the Year Gala—“Carnival of Inclusion” Brought Hundreds Together for a Wild Inclusive Night

Best Buddies Texas’ 4th Annual Champion of the Year Gala came alive at Ballroom at Bayou Place with the jungle, 10-foot animals, arcade games, good food, animal-print costumes, heartfelt tributes and acceptance speeches, “wild” décor, strong men, a belly dancer and a stage full of dreams!

Over 320 guests dressed in their favorite animal print couture to help the charity raise over $280,000. For the fourth year, beloved advocates CC and Duke Ensell were the chairpersons and their company, Admiral Transfer & Rigging was the Presenting Sponsor. Taking bows as Grand Champions were Jack Kreuger and Kevin Harkel. The runners-up were Juliette Malloy and Jordyn Ensell, previously two-time Grand Champions. The combined efforts of these two teams raised an astounding $236,000—a new benchmark for Best Buddies Texas.

No one produces an event alone. A successful event is always a team effort. Such was the case as décor artist Kirksey Gregg Productions created an ambiance with tropical florals and interior design, Craig Howard provided the event space and Ballroom Catering assembled its food crew that presented elegant cuisine. J & D Entertainment furnished stilt walkers in animal attire, acrobats, reptiles and more. These beautiful companies combined forces to create a memorable evening for all attending.

As the hour-long cocktail reception ended and everyone locked in their bids before entering the ballroom, they meandered through a long L-E-D lighted tunnel to make their way to their tables and prepare for an exciting program. State Director Linda Kordek Milton and Area Director Amanda Campbell opened the festivities and delivered a warm and inviting welcome. They introduced the Ensells, who were proud to chair this annual gathering again and shared how dear and close to home this cause is to their hearts. Radio personalities and emcees Valentin Gallegos and Cindy Burbano made their way to the podium and, on behalf of the organization, thanked the event sponsors and introduced the five Champion teams vying for the title of Grand Champion of the Year. Each champion is a prominent business and/or community leader, and they are paired with a Best Buddies Mission Partner for a 10-week fundraising campaign. The teams were: Champion Dora Gutierrez and Mission Partner Tommy Faison, Champion Deshanna Reed and Mission Partner Jared Atkins, Champion Jordyn Ensell and Mission Partner Juliette Molloy, Global Ambassador Jack Krueger and Mission Partner Kevin Harkel and Champion Christy Tucker and Mission Partners Ayesha Rivers and My Brown.

A delectable three-course dinner was served. As diners proceeded through the servings and began to enjoy their dessert, the auctioneer began the live auction, with several items being sold to multiple individuals and couples. After the last item brought a large donation, a touching Best Buddies slideshow was shown, featuring the song “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman. Halfway through the presentation, a flash mob of Buddy Ambassadors marched on the stage carrying posters of their dreams. The crowd, brought to tears, rose to a standing lengthy ovation. As the crowd composed itself, an appeal was requested and paddles flew until a total of $36,150 was donated! J & D Entertainment acrobats Zach Derr and Matt Bench then performed their strong-man balancing act to loud applause. Guests were also treated to a variety of exotic dancing, culminating in a belly dance with a live snake. DJ Freddy took over to bring the jungle crowd to the dance floor! What a night of “Wild Inclusion!”

In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned):  Kat Kearns, Chau Nguyen and Jay Sears, Jean Wilson, Dominic Cellitti and Steve Breyfogle, Kathryn Lott and Tommy Pepper, Lara Bell, Mady and Ken Kades, Mark Folkes and Chris Johnston, Mechelle Tran and Kevin Turra and Samantha and Jeff Holsomback