AWARE Affair 2026 Announcement Party Boots, Buckles & Brain Health
Announcement Party for AWARE Affair 2026
A Night Rising Above Alzheimer’s Together
Presented by Sheryl and Gary Wood
(Featured photo: Neal and Katie Doherty, Gala Co-Chairs; Sheryl and Gary Wood, Honorary Chairs; Heidi and Cole Snadon, Gala Co-Chairs.)
It is always exciting to attend special events where news is revealed, announcements are made and be a part of the celebration! Such was the case at the Announcement Party for the AWARE Affair 2026 Boots, Buckles & Brain Health A Night Rising Above Alzheimer’s Together presented by Honorary Chairs Sheryl and Gary Wood.
Hosts Anne and William Seanor opened their lovely Preston Hollow home welcoming Friends of AWARE, supporters and committee members to hear the announcements about next spring’s gala happening on Saturday, April 11, 2026 and chaired by Katie and Neal Doherty and Heidi and Cole Snadon.
Guests were greeted with prosecco while they enjoyed libations, passed hors d’oeuvres and a lavish charcuterie and dessert spread as they chatted up new acquaintances and longtime friends.
When it came time for announcements, Karen Koop, AWARE 2025 President, welcomed the crowd and recognized sponsors and partners for this evening’s event: FGF Catering, Kistler Vineyards, musician Aaron Hendra, Gold Crown Valet and Wythe Portrait Studio.
Ann McKinley, AWARE 2026 President, shared what AWARE means, saying AWARE is a nonprofit organization that empowers North Texans to rise above the challenges of Alzheimer’s and other dementias together. Since AWARE’s founding in 1989 by a group of volunteers, the Dallas-based organization has invested more than $15 million in local providers, researchers and innovators fighting for our loved ones and a cure. She emphasized that every dollar that AWARE grants stays in North Texas to benefit the local community, encouraging those who were not signed on as Friends of AWARE, to join this meaningful group of community and business leaders.
Katie reminded everyone to save the date saying that the event is returning to Gilley’s in downtown Dallas and is now on a Saturday night, and not a Friday night. Everyone can look forward to the always delicious BBQ and all of the fixins’, live and silent auctions, and dancing to the country tunes of the fabulous Breckenridge Band, along with line dancing, some instruction, lots of fun brain health activities, and a meaningful evening with friends and family while raising money for AWARE and having a fun time!
She also thanked the Woods as Honorary Chairs, introduced Underwriting Chairs Cathy and Bill Davis; Live Auction Chairs Merritt and Taylor Russ; Jennifer Burns and Lora Farris as Host Committee Chairs. Thanks also went to members of the Advisory Committee Stacey Angel, Mari Epperson, Sharon Ballew, Karen Koop, Jolie Humphrey and Ann McKinley.
Heidi said she and Cole are delighted to be on board as co-chairs. She shared the difficult news that her mother has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and that makes working with AWARE a very personal journey saying, “I know I’ll need every resource and bit of guidance I can find, and I am so grateful to be part of this community. Together, I believe we can rise above the challenges of this terrible disease. Your support makes all the difference. It allows us to provide critical funding to nonprofits and organizations that not only help patients, but also caregivers and families who walk this journey alongside them.”
After a rousing round of applause, the room went quiet when Karen gave everyone a heads up to be sure to check in their cars for an invitation to a surprise announcement event happening on Tuesday, November 11, in association with the gala, which started the buzz all over again.
Underwriting tickets begin at $1,200 for two tickets and other benefits. Underwriting levels go up to $25,000. Exclusive Naming opportunities start at $5,000 up to $25,000. https://aesbid.com/ELP/AWARE26/Tickets. Link to the AWARE Affair website here: https://www.awarenorthtexas.org/aware-affair For more information email AWAREAffair@HASEvents.com
AWARE also invites North Texans who care about those who have been impacted by Alzheimer’s and other dementias to join Friends of AWARE – a community of individuals, caregivers and professionals with a vested interest in supporting the best care in our region today and hope for a cure tomorrow. Individuals navigating the challenges of these diseases – including patients, caregivers and professionals – connect, learn and advocate for solutions in North Texas.
The community can support AWARE’s mission by joining Friends of AWARE, attending its annual signature fundraiser, AWARE Affair, or making a donation at www.awarenorthtexas.org Instagram: @awarenorthtexas Facebook:@awarenorthtexas
AWARE North Texas, a Texas nonprofit, operates through a fiscal sponsorship with Players Philanthropy Fund, Inc., a Texas nonprofit and 501(c)(3) public charity (Tax ID: 27-6601178). Contributions qualify as tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Photos by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio
(Sharon Adams, Adams Communications Public Relations, is honored to represent AWARE and their special events and announcements and post this Philanthropy Lifestyles Scene.)
