Rob Giardinelli
The City’s Philanthropic And Music Communities Unite For A Star-Studded Gala To Raise A Whopping $2.7 Million For North Texas Nonprofits
By Rob Giardinelli Photography courtesy of THE BIG GOOD
THE SCENE: Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall in Fort Worth was the setting for one of Cowtown’s most successful fundraising nights of the year. A sold-out crowd featuring 600 community leaders, advocates, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the 5th Annual THE BIG GOOD. The night more than delivered on their milestone anniversary with a series of touching tributes and show-stopping performances that resulted in a record-breaking night for the organization.
THE VIBE: The western-chic crowd sported an array of elevated western looks. In the gathering, one could spot denim, sport coats, cocktail dresses, sequins, fringe, boots, and more than a few cowboy hats. The result was a festive, happy environment where everyone felt welcome.
Kicking off the night was a fun, vibrant cocktail hour. After guests posed for images on the step-and-repeat, they headed to the bar to grab their favorite spirit. During cocktail hour, patrons perused an impressive selection of silent auction items up for bid in support of the organization.
Guests then made their way to their tables for dinner and the main program. As guests dined on a delectable, multi-course meal, they were treated to words from event and organization leaders thanking them for taking part in such a special evening. Emotional program videos followed that showcased how THE BIG GOOD and their beneficiary partners have quickly made an indelible mark on so many in the North Texas community.
Health Hale of Cowboy Auctioneer then took to the stage to headline a spirited live auction. Revelers bid on a series of once-in-a-lifetime packages and experiences, including a set tour of Landman, floor seats to the 2027 CMA Awards, and a private tour of Nike World Headquarters, with the latter emerging as the most popular. A mission-driven Paddles-Up followed that, driving the fundraising total even higher.
No event at Tannahill’s would be complete without music, and this year’s THE BIG GOOD raised the stakes by delivering two impressive acts. The first to take the stage was Fort Worth Native and Academy Award-nominated artist Abraham Alexander, followed by eight-time GRAMMY Award®-winning artist Kacey Musgraves, each of whom brought the crowd to their feet as they sang their hit tunes to the adoring crowd. The night concluded with an after-party at Bowie House, where the fun extended well into the night.
THE NON-PROFIT: THE BIG GOOD, hosted by Leon Bridges and Kelsey and Gary Patterson, raised over $2.7 million for the organization. Proceeds raised from the event will go towards funding programs for four organizations in North Texas focused on education, food access, and workforce development, including Tarrant To & Through Partnership, United Community Centers, UpSpire, and Tarrant Area Food Bank.
Here’s Why THE BIG GOOD Is So Popular In North Texas…
- More than 600 community leaders, philanthropists, and advocates gathered at Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall for THE BIG GOOD’s milestone fifth anniversary
- The western-chic crowd embraced elevated Texas style with denim, sequins, fringe, cowboy boots, and statement hats
- Guests enjoyed a lively cocktail hour, complete with silent auction bidding and social moments on the step and repeat
- Emotional program videos highlighted the life-changing impact THE BIG GOOD and its beneficiary partners are making across North Texas
- Cowboy Auctioneer Heath Hale energized the crowd during a spirited live auction filled with luxury experiences and exclusive packages
- Popular auction items included a set tour of Landman, floor seats to the 2027 CMA Awards, and a private tour of Nike World Headquarters
- A mission-driven paddles-up appeal inspired guests to elevate the evening’s fundraising total even further
- Fort Worth native and Academy Award-nominated artist Abraham Alexander delivered a soulful live performance
- Eight-time GRAMMY Award-winning superstar Kacey Musgraves brought the crowd to its feet with an unforgettable headline performance
- The celebration continued late into the night with a lively after-party at Bowie House
- Hosted by Leon Bridges along with Kelsey and Gary Patterson, the event raised more than $2.7 million
- Proceeds will support four North Texas nonprofits dedicated to education, workforce development, and food access initiatives
