Third Time’s the Charm For Kickstart Kids at the 29th Annual Boots and Black Belts Gala

Third Time’s the Charm For Kickstart Kids at the 29th Annual Boots and Black Belts Gala

Covid sidelined their event in 2020 and a 2021 virtual event was canceled. This was not the case for their third attempt earlier this month. The big guns came out for the 29th Annual Boots and Black Belts Gala and more than $1 million was added to Kickstart Kids’ treasury which will augment current programs and build capacity to reach more students.

Chuck & Gena Norris and Keith & Alice Mosing co-chaired this exciting gathering at the Hilton Americas-Houston complemented with stunning décor from Kirksey Gregg Productions. Following a great dinner, guests were enlivened by a powerful martial arts performance from students and instructors. Led by title sponsors American Telecast Products and Total Gym and nearly 40 sponsors, the auction paddles came alive during the fund-a-need appeal and thrilling live auction.

Pastor Garry Blackmon led the room with an invocation and a moment of silence and tribute to Kickstart Kids board member and friend, the Honorable Michael T. McSpadden. After dinner, long-time event emcee Linda Lorelle welcomed Chuck and Gena Norris to the stage to recognize board members and to present prestigious honors to Kickstart Kids’ Instructors of the Year – Darlene Cordova Salcedo from North Texas, Jon Gartmann from Central Texas, and Patricia Rivera and Rommel Paul from Southeast Texas.

In recognition of their extraordinary commitment to children, families and their communities, Dr. Charles Dupre, Deputy Executive Director, Member Engagement and Support for the Texas Association of School Administrators and former Superintendent of Ft. Bend ISD was then awarded the 2022 Founder’s Vision Award, and the law firm of Squire Patton Boggs, LLP was presented with this year’s Chuck and Gena Norris Character Award, which was accepted by Mike Forshey, Lew Clark and Deborah Lodge.

Following the awards, guests were eager to start the live bidding on a few items including Chuck Norris tribute firearms, a trophy whitetail deer hunt, a Ballroom at Bayou Place party, and a Taft McWhorter painting.

The evening concluded with an intimate performance by country music star Pat Green, who had guests young and old dancing and kicking back to his soulful tunes.

Socially present (not previously mentioned):  Andi and Peter Holt, Gail and Greg Garland, Lindy and Marshall Teague, Elizabeth and John Gibson, Tim Tuttle, Katelyn Maida, Erica Rico, Adrian Perez, the Darrell Scott/Rachel’s Challenge Family, the Sherry and Bill Berry family, Ernesto Bautista, Jimmy Anderson, Brenda Love and Ed Jones, the Marcene Taylor family, Juli and Kevin Mitchell, Michelle and Bill Hickl, Joy and Tom Campanaro, the Stewart Morris family, and Laura True and Mike King.