Saddle Up For Scholarships: See How The State Fair Of Texas’ Boot-Scootin’ Benefit Raises Needed Funds

Big Tex, Big-Hearted Texans, Boots, Bids And Live Music Came Together At Saddle Up To Raise Vital Funds For Texas Students And The State Fair Of Texas’ Youth Programs

By Cynthia Smoot        Photography by Imani Black

THE SCENE: State Fair of Texas’ Saddle Up, the Big Tex Champion Club’s annual boot-scootin’ benefit, raised more than $320,000 for Texas students, with event co-chairs Robert Walne and Grant and Courtney Pruitt delivering a magnificent evening of high-spirited fun under the Texas stars at The Rustic Dallas.

THE VIBE: Guests were treated to a live performance by American Idol’s Cash Byers and The Big Valley, live and silent auctions full of State Fair of Texas-themed experiences, midway-style games, special activations from brands like Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott and McKinney Hat Company, and plenty of Texas hospitality, all shared among a community that believes in the future of the State Fair of Texas and the Texas students it supports.

Among those in attendance were State Fair of Texas President Mitchell Glieber and his wife Lisa, FOX 4’s Steve Noviello and Paige Ellenberger, Chris Khale and Austin Green, The Ticket’s Donovan Lewis, Kat Dunn, and New Country 96.3 FM’s Michelle Rodriguez.

THE NON-PROFIT: A one-of-a-kind celebration with a heart as big as Big Tex, this kick-off to the State Fair of Texas put 100% of every bid and every table to work for the Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction and Big Tex Scholarship Programs, which have awarded more than $25.3 million in auction awards and college scholarships to thousands of students across the Lone Star State since 2018 alone.

Here Are 7 Highlights From Saddle Up

1. $324,000+ for Texas Students. The evening generated more than $324,000 for student scholarships and youth programs.
2. Boots Under the Texas Stars. The Rustic Dallas provided the spirited setting for the Big Tex Champion Club’s annual benefit.
3. A Night of Big Tex Energy. State Fair of Texas pride was woven throughout the evening, from the décor to the auction experiences.
4. Cash Byers Takes the Stage. American Idol standout Cash Byers and The Big Valley supplied the live-music soundtrack.
5. Bid Big, Give Bigger. Live and silent auctions offered coveted State Fair-themed experiences while putting philanthropy in motion.
6. Texas Brands Bring the Fun. Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott, McKinney Hat Company and other activations added plenty of Lone Star style.
7. A Scholarship Legacy Worth Celebrating. Since 2018, the State Fair of Texas says its Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction and Big Tex Scholarship Programs have awarded more than $25.3 million to thousands of Texas students.