What: Ally’s Wish Boots & Blessings Gala 2016
Where: Gilley’s Dallas
The 411: More than 300 people dusted off their boots and bling for the second annual gala for Ally’s Wish. On the agenda were performances by the Breckenridge Band and Britnee Kellogg, Texas barbecue and cocktails, and the all-important silent and live auctions. Special guest Tanya Norris, a Keller mom battling an aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma multiforme, was there to remind guests of their purpose in attending: to grant wishes for young mothers battling terminal illnesses in North Texas and across the country.
Real Housewives of Dallas star LeeAnne Locken, the evening’s emcee, kept the program moving and encouraged everyone to give big. And give big they did — more than $30,000 during the live auction and “Fund A Wish,” ensuring that five of the current nine wish requests from mothers spanning New York, Chicago, Colorado, Texas, and more would be fulfilled.
Inspired by the loss of their dear friend, Allyson Hendrickson, to ovarian cancer, Missy Phipps, Holly Reed, Melissa Cary, and Heather Bryan founded Ally’s Wish. In just two years, the women have raised more than $150,000 and granted wishes like helicopter rides over the Grand Canyon and adventures swimming with dolphins to 16 mothers.
Who: Gala chair Laura Downing, honorary chair Tricia Sims, Tommy Vieth, Tom Irwin, Kersten Rettig, Kunthear and Scott Douglas, Pat and Larry Conner, Jessi Moreau, and Ese Azenabor.
Bob Rountree, Melissa Rountree
