AWARE Affair 2026 Boots, Buckles & Brain HealthA Night Rising Above Alzheimer’s Together
(Featured photo: Gala Chairs Neal and Katie Doherty, Heidi and Cole Snadon)*
Everything about the AWARE Affair 2026 Boots, Buckles & Brain Health brought smiles, a few surprised faces, fantastic finds in the silent and live auctions and hello, a live longhorn stationed at the door of Gilley’s Dallas, sponsored by Reeder Capital Partners, welcoming guests to the annual AWARE Affair gala with a distinctly Texas flourish. Beneath the glow of the setting sun and the hum of anticipation, patrons paused to saddle up for photos before stepping inside Boots, Buckles and Brain Health, an evening devoted to raising awareness and support for Alzheimer’s and dementia care across North Texas.
The spirited fête unfolded under the theme A Night Rising Above Alzheimer’s Together. Gala co-chairs Katie and Neal Doherty alongside Heidi and Cole Snadon welcomed an elegant crowd of longtime supporters, advocates, caregivers, and community leaders, while honorary chairs and presenting sponsors Sheryl and Gary Wood lent their enduring support to the cause. Honorary Chairs Emeriti were Sally and Forrest Hoglund, Biddie Jordan honoring the legacy of Lee Roy Jordan, David McDavid honoring the memory of Kim McDavid, Bo and Jeff Parker, Venise and Larry Stuart, Todd Terry and Amy Terry Kriegel honoring the legacy of their mother, Ellen Terry.
For Dallas philanthropic circles, the evening was equal parts heartfelt and celebratory. AWARE North Texas, the grassroots nonprofit at the center of the event, continues its mission of empowering North Texans affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias — with all proceeds remaining in the community to fund local grants and services.
Festivities began upstairs in the Bonnie & Clyde Speakeasy, where guests slipped through a hidden entrance into an intimate VIP reception underwritten by an anonymous donor. Jolie and Bart Humphrey greeted patrons with a wink and the evening’s password before the crowd descended into the lively main reception below.
Cocktail hour offered no shortage of diversions. Guests browsed the silent auction, customized cowboy hats at the Fleastyle Original Hat Bar, and shopped the Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott pop-up boutique. Nearby, hopeful raffle buyers vied for diamond earrings courtesy of Bachendorf’s, while the Bourbon and Whiskey Pull quickly became one of the night’s most visited attractions.
Just inside the ballroom entry, Belmont Village Senior Living hosted interactive “Brain Games,” and a photo booth sponsored by Karen and Mark Carney debuted entrepreneur Yasmeen Tadia’s whimsical ZIYĀ AI Watercolor Photo Experience, transforming portraits into painterly keepsakes.
Serving as emcee, Neal Doherty welcomed the crowd and thanked the organization’s many champions, while Katie Doherty paid tribute to AWARE’s honorary chairs emeriti and legacy supporters whose devotion has shaped the nonprofit over decades. Heidi Snadon followed with heartfelt recognition of sponsors, advisory members, and gala volunteers whose efforts brought the evening to life.
A poignant moment arrived when AWARE president Ann McKinley addressed the ballroom. “Each of us comes here tonight with a different experience of Alzheimer’s,” she reflected, “but those experiences unite us in a shared story and a shared mission.” Celebrating its 37th year, the organization is currently reviewing 24 grant applications totaling more than $780,000 in funding requests — a testament to the growing need across North Texas.
The evening also honored several individuals whose leadership has left a lasting mark on the organization. Janet and Jack Broyles received the 2026 Founder’s Spirit Award for their longstanding dedication to AWARE’s mission, while Mari Epperson was presented with the 2026 Amy Osler Spirit of Education Leadership Award for her commitment to public education and advocacy surrounding Alzheimer’s disease.
One of the evening’s most moving announcements came with the presentation of AWARE’s inaugural First Responder Award to retired Dallas Police Detective C’Mone Wingo. Inspired by her work investigating cases involving missing persons with dementia, the new honor recognizes extraordinary service to individuals and families navigating Alzheimer’s and related conditions. The ballroom responded with a standing ovation.
Following an invocation by Rev. Nicole Bates, guests enjoyed a Texas-inspired supper of barbecue and classic Southern sides before the evening transitioned into lively fundraising. The playful Hats and Buckles game energized the room ahead of a spirited live auction featuring luxury travel escapes, exclusive dining experiences, and bespoke wellness packages.
Perhaps the evening’s most emotional appeal came during the Mission Moment, when former gala chair David McDavid Jr. shared the story of his late wife Kimmie’s battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s. In her honor, the now-beloved Purple Coat of Hope tradition once again inspired extraordinary generosity throughout the ballroom as patrons lifted paddles in support of AWARE’s mission.
As the formalities gave way to celebration, guests filled the dance floor for line-dancing lessons and late-night revelry to the sounds of the Breckenridge Band — closing the evening with the unmistakable warmth, resilience, and camaraderie that have become hallmarks of the AWARE Affair.Top of FormBottom of Form
Additional sponsors included Pioneer: The Channell Family; Invitation: Cathy and Bill Davis; Entertainment: Stacey Jones Angel; Décor: The Dickey Foundation; Patron Party: Jolie and Bart Humphrey; Signage: Gail Plummer and John Cattaneo; Favors: Heidi and Cole Snadon; Grant Education Presentation: The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences; Paddle Raise: Ann and Mike McKinley/Shackelford; Photo Experience: Karen and Mark Carney in memory of Del McCarthy.
For more information about AWARE North Texas and how to participate as a Friend of AWARE, which has many benefits, including events in private homes, educational lunches and more, visit the website at AWARENorthTexas.org and join us as We Rise Above Alzheimer’s Together!
About AWARE North Texas: AWARE North Texas 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. Every dollar that AWARE grants stays in North Texas to benefit the local community.
AWARE North Texas 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, care partners 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, care partners and professionals – connect, learn and advocate for solutions in North Texas.
The community can support AWARE North Texas’ 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
*Photos by Thomas Garza
(Sharon Adams, Adams Communications Public Relations, is honored to represent AWARE North Texas and its special events and announcements and post this Philanthropy Lifestyles Scene.)
