Rob Giardinelli
Event On The Field At AT&T Stadium Raises Over $3 Million For Scholarships
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Christian Waits and Rob Wythe of Wythe Portrait Studio
Bailey Beltz Matt Beltz
THE SCENE: The AT&T Stadium in Dallas was the setting for one of North Texas’ best-attended and successful fundraising events. Over 1,500 of the region’s top community leaders, military personnel, and philanthropists turned out for the annual Folds of Honor gala. The night featured touching tributes and inspiring speeches which resulted in an epic night in an iconic space for a very worthy cause.
THE VIBE: The black-tie optional crowd featured a mix of tuxedos, suits, ballgowns, cocktail dresses, and of course in-service military members military members wearing their uniforms. This created a welcoming, thankful environment for everyone on hand as the festivities began for the evening with a VIP reception in the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Locker Room for a meet and greet with the Folds of Honor Board and Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders.
and Victoria Molina
and Mary Scott
Patrons then made their way through a long corridor to the field adorned with American flags and plaques of fallen military service members whose families have benefited from scholarships courtesy of the Folds of Honor scholarship program. Once partygoers made it to the field, they were greeted by friends for a cocktail reception where guests sipped on their favorite spirits, mingled with guests, and perused an impressive lot of silent auction items.
The crowd then made their way to their seats on the Dallas Cowboys football field for the main program. Before the dinner began, the crowd stood for the Presentation of Colors by the University of North Texas Color Guard, a rendition of the national anthem by Mary Claire, and an invocation by Folds of Honor of North Texas Board Chair Mike Beltz.
Katy Blakley served as master of ceremonies, keeping the festivities flowing at a fun, informative, and brisk pace throughout the evening. As revelers dined on delectable, multi-course meals they were treated to words from organization and event leaders. Additionally, attendees were moved by a touching video showcasing scholarship recipient families who have been positively impacted by Folds of Honor.
Next, world-renowned speed painter Harvey Dunn of PaintJam took to the stage, whipping up a stunning painting of an officer’s profile in salute in a matter of minutes. After it’s completion, the painting served as the first item of a spirited live auction helmed by Trey Morris of Morris Auctioneers that also included additional one-of-a-kind items and experiences with a luxury mountain home getaway and a round of golf at the Bear’s Club in Juniper, Florida that included lunch with legendary and legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus serving as the most popular.
After the auction, honorary speaker Elizabeth Brees took to the stage ad shared her inspiring story of how she lost her father at the age of three and how Folds of Honor helped Liz and her two siblings attend college. A Give from the Teart appeal followed, where patrons raised their paddles kept the fundraising total climbing. The night was capped off with an after party where guests danced the night away on the Dallas Cowboys Star to the tunes of the Emerald City Band.
THE NON-PROFIT: The 2024 Folds of Honor gala, hosted by the Folds of Honor North Texas Chapter, was steered by a committee of 12 prominent North Texas couples. Dyan and Mike Colby served as honorary chairs, raising over $3 million for Folds of Honor. Proceeds raised from this year’s event will fund over 600 scholarships to children and family members of military and first responder families. Since the it’s founding in 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded nearly 62,000 scholarships totaling roughly $290 million in all 50 states.
