Rob Giardinelli
An Unforgettable Night Of Cowboy Glamour, Heartfelt Stories, And Record-Breaking Generosity For Local Wish Kids
By Rob Giardinelli Photography By JerSean Golatt
THE SCENE: The Omni® Fort Worth Hotel was the setting for one of Cowtown’s most anticipated and successful Fall signature fundraising events. Several hundred of the area’s most notable community leaders, children’s advocates, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the 2025 Wranglers and Wishes Gala. Benefiting Make-A-Wish of North Texas, the night featured a combination of great friends and touching tributes, resulting in a record-breaking night for the event.
THE VIBE: The Western-chic crowd featured an elegant mix of Western-themed and cocktail ensembles. In the crowd, one could spot cocktail dresses, sundresses, suits, sport coats, denim, cowboy hats, bold prints, and rhinestones. The result was a fun, festive, and welcoming atmosphere for all attendees.
Before guests headed up the escalators to the Omni® Fort Worth Ballroom Foyer to begin the evening’s festivities, many took the opportunity to pose for images to commemorate the evening. Attendees then enjoyed a lively cocktail hour. Here, guests sipped on their favorite spirits and previewed the impressive lot of live auction items that were up for bid later in the evening.
The action then moved to the Omni® Fort Worth Ballroom for dinner and the main program. Emcees CBS News Texas Anchor Madison Sawyer and Wish Kid alumna Caitlin served as emcees, keeping the evening moving at a fun yet impactful pace throughout the night. As partygoers dined on their delectable, multi-course meals, they were treated to words from event and organization leaders thanking them for participating in such a memorable evening that would forever positively impact the lives of many families.
The program featured two highlights. The first was honoring Joni Watt for her tireless support of Make-A-Wish over the years, which has helped expand its footprint in North Texas. The second was Wish Kid Ryan, who surprised everyone as he performed as part of the brass quintet from the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, which elicited more than a few tears streaming down the faces in the audience.
A spirited live auction followed, with revelers raising their paddles for an array of luxury items that helped the event soar to new heights. The most popular items included a luxury getaway to the Four Seasons Resort and Residence Los Cabos at Costa Palmas™ and an exclusive experience to Super Bowl LX, capping off a beautiful night of fun and fundraising.
THE NON-PROFIT: The 2025 Wranglers and Wishes Gala, presented by Andy Dunning and Jamie Wester, raised a record-breaking $750,000 for Make-A-Wish North Texas. All proceeds raised from the event will stay in North Texas and go towards providing wishes to children with critical illnesses, which currently has over 400 children waiting for their wishes to be granted.
