The GRACE Gala is just one week away, and this year’s auction committee, chaired by Kay Allen, has done an amazing job of accepting spectacular donations from the community. Here is a sneak peek at some of the most enjoyable, fascinating, and adventurous silent auction packages that we have this year and are ready for you to bid on right now! One winning bidder will receive a “Night with the Winemaker” from one of the community’s most renowned wineries, Sloan and Williams. A glass of your favorite wine, chef-made tapas, tastings of 10 wines with the winemaker, and a bottle of your favorite wine personally signed by Alan Kunst, the winemaker, are all included in this incredible night out. The Gaylord Texan extends an invitation for you to throw the best Christmas party at their place! You and seven guests will receive free valet parking as well as a six-course meal at Old

The GRACE Gala in and of itself would just be another fantastic party, but it’s the purpose that sets it apart. Corporate partners, local businesses, congregations, families, and individuals utilize their talents and give of their resources to generate event proceeds that sustain GRACE programs throughout the year. The many who give of their energy, expertise, and earnings to generate operational funds is truly remarkable, and we’d like the community to know how amazing they are! We wholeheartedly encourage patronage to local businesses that share the same desire to see families thrive in our community. On behalf of over 5,000 family members GRACE serves each year, thank you for providing support that allows us provide food, clothing, shelter, education, medical care and hope to the downtrodden among us. Thanks to the Following In Kind Gala Sponsors Diamond Sponsor Alford Media Berkey’s NBC 5 Hotel Vin   Ruby Sponsor American Airlines

GRACE welcomes the new Director of Community Engagement, Meredith Martin. Meredith comes to us from many backgrounds, including working with local home builders, real estate consulting, and demographic research for school districts, all of which represent her love of being involved within her beloved community. Speaking of Meredith’s involvement with the community, she was introduced to GRACE as a volunteer, volunteering along with her two children Olivia and Rhett as a part of the National Charity League and the Young Men’s Service League, Southlake Chapters. Meredith took on her role at GRACE three months before the GRACE Gala and hit the ground running instantly. She has already helped plan both the Gifting Party and the VIP Party and is currently working with the GRACE staff and Gala committee to ensure that this year’s Gala is the best one yet. “I am so excited about this year’s Gala,” said Meredith. “Working

Cheers to another successful GRACE VIP Party! Hosted once again by the luxurious Hotel Vin, this year’s Gala sponsors and their guests were back at the beautiful Rioja Terrace rooftop celebrating the GRACE VIP Party in style. Ushers greeted guests with delicious appetizers, wine, and friendly smiles while soft jazz music played throughout the venue. GRACE staff gave recognition and plaques to our amazing sponsors for this year’s Gala. GRACE’s Chief Executive Officer, Shonda Schaefer took to the mic and thanked everyone who could join to celebrate our Gala Sponsors. She announced that mobile bidding for the Gala Auction is now live and that everyone needs to start getting those bids ready! Kay Allen was introduced as this year’s Auction Chair and noted that everyone needs to pre-register so they can start bidding on trips dinners and amazing experiences, Live auction this year will have a few surprises as well.

For 170 years, The BNSF Railway Company has operated one of the largest freight railroad networks in North America, with 32,500 miles of rail across the western two-thirds of the United States! The company is one of the top transporters of the products and materials that help feed, clothe, supply and power communities throughout America and the world. As a Platinum Gala Sponsor – an elite sponsorship that underwrites our annual grand event to provide food, clothing, shelter, medical care and hope to families with event proceeds – the railway company’s example of servant leadership is just as significantly far reaching. The “BNSF impact” on our GRACE Programs that empower, sustain and uplift families who seek refuge in our community is immeasurable. Our relationship with this company has been forged over years and years of hard work and tireless giving, working together to reinvest and build up this community whether it

The GRACE Community Clinic, Lonestar Endoscopy Center in Southlake and Baylor Scott & White partnered up on Oct 1st to create GRACE’s first Colonoscopy Clinic and we are thrilled to announce the success of this wonderful event. For over a year, Clinic Nurse Manager, Shirley Roberts, and her team have been promoting the importance of healthy eating and exercise, which explains the current and upcoming classes that GRACE is offering. After many talks with Lonestar Endoscopy Center and Baylor Scott & White, the Community Clinic team was finally able to take a step forward with the Colonoscopy Clinic. The purpose of the Colonoscopy Clinic was to assist individuals in the community in learning about colorectal cancer and preventing the spread of cancer. During the event, the clinic saw 16 clients and was able to identify and remove 31 polyps. “We could not have made this possible without Lone Star Endoscopy

Here at GRACE, we believe that we are stewards of God’s blessings and resources in the community, therefore is it our duty to learn from and connect with individuals and organizations from all over the state of Texas, to better understand the problems that face our community. This week, Chief Programs Officer, Stacy Pacholick, Pantry Manager, Marcus Miranda, and Assistant Pantry Manager, Kyle Buchannon, visited the Hankamer Cashion Academic Center at Baylor University in Waco TX for the annual Together at the Table Hunger and Poverty. The Summit, consisting of Keynote Speakers from all around the world, had one particular goal in mind; to end hunger around the world. Notable Speakers included Deputy Under Secretary for USDA’s Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, Stacy Dean, Dean of the Health Sciences Department at Universidad Rafael Landovar in Hermosa Guatemala, Dr. Edgar Miguel Lopez Alverez, and former U.S representative for Texas 11th congressional district,

We are less than a month away from our annual GRACE Gala! With so many moving parts making this amazing event happen, we want to take this time to introduce our Platinum Plus Sponsors. Apollo Eleven Apollo Eleven provides the infrastructure that companies and nonprofits need to succeed on a global scale. Their four missions include building, growing, serving, and hosting shows through their dedication to serving the community. We are thrilled to have them as our Valet Sponsor for this year’s GRACE Gala. For more information on Apollo Eleven, please visit here. Berkey’s Air Conditioning, Plumbing, and Electrical Being one of DFW’s most notable air conditioning and plumbing services, Berkey’s has been a longtime supporter of GRACE. Having been a Platinum Plus Sponsor for 7 years, Berkey’s has shown true dedication throughout the GRACE community. They have also been a big supporter of the GRACE Christmas Cottage. Since 2016, Berkey’s has

The first leaves have fallen and the holiday drinks are out – it is officially that time! This time of year, we are especially grateful for donations of gently-used and new winter coats and jackets. With the cooler weather, we anticipate a growing number of families needing jackets and coats in various sizes. Specifically elementary school-age all the way to teenage sizes are needed most. You can empty your coat closet, ask your friends to bring jackets and coats to your next party, or host a coat drive with your church or community group. “Kids wear what they like,” said Dina Pesina, GRACE Clothing Room Coordinator. “We want them to pick out their own coats and shoes, so they’ll put them on and keep them on—that’s the important thing.” If you are part of a civic or small group, this would be an ideal collection that isn’t cumbersome or unfeasible.

Back by popular demand, Hotel Vin will usher in guests of the GRACE VIP Party in style on Wednesday, October 19! The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m., but you can only get in by becoming a sponsor of the GRACE Gala! This year, guests will be returning to the beautiful Rioja Terrace, where sponsors and volunteer leadership will be honored. Gala Silver sponsorships and up offer VIP Party invitations as part of the benefit package. With the GRACE Gala less than two months away on November 5, the VIP Party will take a moment and thank the many sponsors, volunteers, committee members, and others who bring the Gala to life, and express gratitude for raising much-needed funds for client services and programs. The VIP Party is also a great chance to meet and chat with others who have a heart for those GRACE serves. The fellowship and networking is second-to-none