Dallas Cowboys legends like Darren Woodson, Charles Haley and Tony Dorsett knew how to win on the field. Turns out these guys also know how to win at fundraising.
Woodson recently served as honorary celebrity chair for the eighth annual Cowboys and Cowboys Sky Ranch Gala, which welcomed a record crowd of 750 to the Omni Dallas hotel. Thanks to such a successful turnout — and the participation of other sportsmen such as Brandon Carr, Nate Newson and Charlie Waters, as well as rodeo cowboys such as Matt Austin, Jeffrey Collins, Justin Blaine Davis and Pat Yancy — Sky Ranch now has $1 million more to provide scholarships for kids to go to summer camp and to support its ministries.
And what a time to bring in that kind of money: Sky Ranch is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.
As you might have suspected by the name, this was a Western-themed affair, and guests took the dress code to heart, turning up in their best boots and bling. The Kilgore College Rangerettes served as hostesses, while Scott Murray and Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders director Kelli Finglass served as emcees. The audience also was treated to a special performance of the National Anthem sung by Dorsett’s daughter Mia.
But this was a fundraiser, after all, so naturally there were silent and live auctions. The most sought-after items in the latter included a “Top Gun” (i.e., fighter jet) experience in Las Vegas at the Wynn Hotel, and a Pro Bowl trip to Honolulu at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach with VIP access to player’s practice and the game.
Impacting more than 60,000 guests each year, Sky Ranch offers an unparalleled array of programs, activities and experiences in a safe, positive and exciting environment. It is dedicated to creating unique camp opportunities and promoting intentional, recreation-based learning and personal growth.
Michael Jackson, Kathy Jackson, Pat Yancy
