Curated Texan
Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation Raises Record-Setting Funds On The Turf
By Cynthia Smoot Photography courtesy of the Texas Rangers
THE SCENE: Nearly 1,500 guests gathered on the outfield turf recently at Globe Life Field for the TEX Gala presented by Choctaw Casinos & Resorts in support of the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation. The VIP Reception, presented by American Airlines, had guests mingling with National Baseball Hall of Famer Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez, who also received his World Series Championship Ring during the reception. When the West Marketplace gates opened to the guests, they made their way down to the field for cocktails and carnival-style games reminiscent of the Texas State Fair’s famous Midway. Photo opportunities were plentiful, and the silent auction was chock-full of autographed sports and Hollywood memorabilia, assorted gift baskets, and an array of one-of-a-kind items.
THE VIBE: After cocktail hour, presented by Coca-Cola, guests enjoyed a seated dinner and a brief video about the Texas Rangers Foundation, bringing life to the causes they were collectively there to support. The live auction followed and certainly did not disappoint. Packages included a VIP All-Star Week experience, suites to Globe Life Field’s 2024 concerts, luxury vacations, and, as an impromptu surprise, country music’s Pat Green took the stage to auction off a private concert.Enjoying the evening alongside the attendees were a handful of Texas Rangers players and coaches, who also enjoyed the big finale, a concert from Country Music Hall of Famers Brooks & Dunn. They sang classics like Boot Scootin’ Boogie, Neon Moon, and You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone. Among those in attendance were Wyatt Langford, Josh Jung, Stacey and Jacob deGrom, Kim and Bruce Bochy, Mady and Corey Seager, Erica and Max Scherzer, Kaylen and Evan Carter, Erin and David Robertson, Rachel and Dane Dunning, Nathan Eovaldi, and Claire and Josh Smith.
THE NON-PROFIT The TEX Gala is the Foundation’s biggest fundraising event of the year, propelling the charitable component of the World Series Champion Texas Rangers organization to function to its fullest potential. This year’s event raised a record-high $2.5 million in gross revenue raised will directly impact those who benefit from the Rangers Foundation’s year-round programming, which includes the Texas Rangers Youth Academy, education-based initiatives and scholarships, community distributions, and military/first responder-focused initiatives. This year’s record-setting night brings the combined total raised since the TEX Gala’s inception in 2021 to a whopping $7.975 million.
