LEAP Global Missions 35th Anniversary Gala: A Legacy of Healing
Join us on Thursday, October 8, 2026
(Featured photo: Grant Gilliland MD, Nicole Gilliland, Mimi Gilliland, Connor Gilliland.)
LEAP Global Missions is delighted to announce its 35th Anniversary Gala: A Legacy of Healing happening on Thursday, October 8, 2026 at a local private club. Chaired by Mimi and Dr. Grant Gilliland, the evening will also feature Trace Bundy: The Acoustic Ninja from Denver, Colorado.
This event is LEAP’s only major annual fundraiser. It raises funds to support the organization and help continue providing free specialized surgical and medical care to those in need around the world.
Dr. Gilliland said, “For the past 33 years, it has been my privilege to volunteer as a physician with LEAP Global Missions providing life-changing surgical care to patients in underserved communities throughout the world. I have witnessed the profound impact that compassionate medical care can have on individuals, families, and communities.
“Many of the patients we serve live in areas where access to surgical care is limited or nonexistent. Through the dedication of our volunteer teams and the generosity of donors like you, we are able to bring hope, healing, and renewed opportunity to those who need it most.
“In addition to the privilege of serving as a physician, my family (Mimi, Connor and Nicole) has had the opportunity to participate in these medical mission trips for the past 15 years. What began as an opportunity to serve others has become one of the greatest blessings in our own lives. While we travel to help others, we always return home having received far more than we could ever give.
“This year holds special significance as we celebrate the 35th anniversary of LEAP Global Missions. Mimi and I are honored to serve as Chairs of the 35th Anniversary Gala, a milestone event and fun celebration.
“We would be delighted to have you join us for this special evening as we reflect on the lives that have been transformed and look ahead to the work that still lies before us. Your contribution helps provide surgical supplies, medications, equipment, education, hospitals and follow-up care for patients who would otherwise go without treatment. Every donation, regardless of size, directly contributes to changing lives.”
The evening begins with a reception featuring cocktails and hors d’oeuvres followed by a three-course seated dinner, presentation, auction, and sharing news of past and ongoing missions and updates on future plans.
Host Committee: Holly and Dr. David Barnett, Amy and Dr. Evan Beale, Debbie and Justin Bono, Ginny and Dr. Jay Burns, Leslie and Jimmy Clayton, Michelle Hollaender and Dr. Jorge Corona, Alexis and Dr. Richard Derksen, Jacque and Guy Gilliland, Linda Hardison, Brooke Hollis Hortenstine, Dr. Michael Lee, Dr. Alejandra Garcia de Mitchell and Dr. Ian Mitchell, Caroline and Brian Mitchell, Ashley and Marcus Morriss, Denise and Ray Nixon, Linsey and Ryan Nixon, Tracy and Dr. Steve Orten, Michelle and Dr. Thornwell Parker, Lauren and Cullen Thomason, Caitlin and Dr. Ivan Vrcek, Adair and Clark Webb, Michelle and Jim Wilson, Missy and Chris Wyszynski.
Individual tickets are $500. Sponsorships and underwriting are also available starting at $5,000. Tickets can be purchased online at leapgala35.givesmart.com or contact Ashley Winder ashley@leapmissions.org or call (214) 668-3665
About LEAP: LEAP Global Missions is dedicated to enhancing and enriching the lives of people around the world by providing free specialized medical and surgical services inspired by the love of Christ. Founded 35 years ago by Dr. Craig Hobar, LEAP volunteers have performed over 11,000 surgeries and procedures on patients (mostly children) from 24 countries at no cost to the patients and their families.
LEAP Global Missions sends teams of highly skilled medical professionals to other countries to provide medical and surgical care and clinical education. Our current outreach includes Belize, Mexico, Ukraine, and Zimbabwe. While our primary focus is on craniofacial conditions such as cleft lip and cleft palate, LEAP also provides oculoplastic and ophthalmological, orthodontic and dental, Mohs skin cancer diagnosis and treatment, hand, and ENT surgical care based on the needs of our host countries. We also bring patients with complex surgical needs to the US from other countries for surgical care when needed.
LEAP is committed to developing long,term relationships with our patients, their communities, and other partners involved in our missions. By returning to the same countries, we are able to build trust, offer ongoing education, and continue caring for those who need long,term medical services.
Learn more by visiting the website at leapmissions.org
Photo courtesy LEAP Global Missions.
(Sharon Adams, Adams Communications Public Relations, is honored to represent LEAP Global Missions and its anniversary gala and publish this Philanthropy Lifestyles eBuzz.)
