Texas Rangers players, staff, and fans stepped right up to a State Fair-themed 2024 TEX Gala on Monday, April 22 at Globe Life Field. The sights, sounds, and tastes of the fair filled the outfield turf, where 1,500 attendees assembled to support the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation.
The evening started with a VIP Reception, presented by American Airlines in the American Lounge, where patrons mingled with National Baseball Hall of Famer Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez, who received his World Series Championship Ring during the reception.
VIPs included a who's who of Rangers stars and their dates: World Series MVP Corey Seager and Mady Seager, Max Scherzer and Erica Scherzer, Nathaniel Lowe and Brenna Karwich, Wyatt Langford, Josh Jung, Jon Gray and Jacklyn Gray, Andrew Heaney and Jordan Heaney, Andrew Knizner and Ally Rahn, Cody Bradford and Madi Bradford, Davis Wendzel and Rachel Wendzel, Dane Dunning and Rachel Dunning, David Robertson and Erin Robertson, Evan Carter and Kaylen Carter, Jacob deGrom and Stacey deGrom, Josh Sborz and Alexis Sborz, Josh Smith and Claire Smith, Michael Lorenzen and Cassi Lorenzen, Travis Jankowski and Lindsey Jankowski, Tyler Mahle and Ashley Mahle, and Rangers manager Bruce Bochy and Kim Bochy.
When the West Marketplace gates opened, guests descended on the field for cocktails and carnival-style games in a replica State Fair Midway. Attendees nibbled mini corn dogs and funnel cakes and sipped stout signature cocktails Neon Moon (Jack-and-Coke) and Red Dirt Road (Teremana Tequila and Topo Chico) as they tossed rings and shot hoops, visited a Flea Style custom hat bar, and purchased Kendra Scott mystery boxes.
A silent auction was filled with autographed Rangers and other sports memorabilia, music and Hollywood treasures (a Post Malone-autographed guitar attracted much attention), gift baskets, art, local shopping and dining experiences, and more. While photo opps were plentiful, the most popular stop of the night was a chance to take a pic with the World Series winners' Commissioner's Trophy.
During a seated dinner of Braised Black Angus Teres Major steak with gnocchi, asparagus, and Creme Brulee with Bailey's Mousse, and a brief video about the Texas Rangers Foundation was played. The charitable organization helps fund the Texas Rangers Youth Academy, education-based initiatives and scholarships, community distributions, and military/first responder-focused initiatives. Rangers chairman Neil Leibman and foundation executive director Karin Morris helped underscore the impact it has in the community.
The fundraising efforts ramped up first with a rousing game of "Heads or Tails," followed by a live auction for luxury trips to Cabo and Los Angeles, a VIP experience during the MLB All-Star Week, and more. In a surprise addition, country music star Pat Green took the stage to auction off a private concert; bidding was so fast and furious that he ended up giving away two.
When all the funds were tallied, the 2024 TEX Gala had raised a record $2.5 million for the Texas Rangers Foundation.
To cap off the celebratory night, guests boot-scooted down to the stage for a private concert by Brooks & Dunn. The legendary country music duo played for a full hour (unlike at many charity galas, where the featured performer says goodnight after four or five songs), keeping the crowd singing along to hits like "Neon Moon," "You're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone," "My Maria," and "Only in America."
Since the first TEX Gala in 2021, the event has raised an impressive $7.975 million for the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation.
Photo courtesy of Texas Rangers
Travis Jankowski, Lindsey Jankowski
