8th Annual Boots & Blessings Gala benefiting Ally’s Wish

(Featured photo: Cole Hendrickson, Pat Conner, Larry Conner, Cade Hendrickson)*

Raised funds to grant wishes to terminally ill Mothers

The Eighth Annual Boots & Blessings Gala presented by Circle Star Brands took place on Thursday, April 28, 2022 at Marty B’s in Bartonville to benefit Ally’s Wish. The Flower Mound-based organization grants wishes to mothers battling terminal illnesses, so they may create lasting memories with their children and loved ones. Denton County Commissioner, Bobbie Mitchell welcomed guests and introduced Larry Conner who spoke in remembrance of his daughter, Allyson Hendrickson, the inspiration for the creation of Ally’s Wish and the organization’s first wish recipient. Conner then led the room in prayer and blessed not only the meal but prayed that guests would open up their hearts and wallets for the evening to support Ally’s Wish in their fundraising endeavors.

Auctioneer Mike Trent began the program with a rousing game of Heads or Tails with the winner receiving a YETI Tundra 45 Hard Cooler valued at $1800 stocked with wine and spirits. Dallas Cowboys Defensive Tackle, Osa Odighizuwa, took to the stage and spoke emotionally about his commitment to support Ally’s Wish and their mission. He then announced a surprise live auction package of a Top Golf Experience with the winner and three friends getting to enjoy a special outing with him at Top Golf Frisco, along with a signed Dallas Cowboys jersey and helmet. Pat Conner closed the evening by bringing three families onstage who are currently on the waitlist to have their wishes granted. Pat jubilantly announced to the families that due to the fundraising success of the organization, they were no longer on the list. Their wait is over and they can look forward to having their wishes granted!

Since its inception, Ally’s Wish has granted over 225 wishes to mothers who’ve battled inflammatory breast cancer, Leukemia, colon cancer and other terminal illnesses. Wish requests and nominations are accepted year-round and while based in North Texas, Ally’s Wish grants wishes to mothers across the U.S. The stories of the women who have been granted wishes and have touched countless lives along the way are featured on the Ally’s Wish website. To learn more about Ally’s Wish, please visit www.allyswish.org. 

*Photos by Bob Manzano

(This Philanthropy Lifestyles Scene post courtesy Ally’s Wish.)