Operation Kindness hosted our annual spring fundraising event, Hope Gala, on Saturday, April 13 at Gilley’s Dallas. The special evening featured dinner, dancing, live music and auctions with proceeds benefiting the shelter’s mission to create a kinder world for pets and the people who love them. The spring soiree raised more than $245,000 for our lifesaving work, beating our goal of $225,000.
Supporters of Operation Kindness sat at intimate tables adorned with florals by Creative Greenery of Dallas for a dinner of coffee ale braised beef short rib and roasted airline chicken breast with desserts like crème brûlée and Dr. Pepper chocolate cake. Ricki Derek and the Vegas 6 provided a musical backdrop while guests dined, and Operation Kindness CEO Ed Jamison addressed the crowd, reflecting on the last year of growth for our organization as well as honoring generous donor and volunteer Dallas St. Clair with the Champion for Animals award for his service and donation to the Operation Kindness Pet Food Pantry, which will be named in his honor.
An open bar with special spirits sponsored by Tito’s Vodka toasted the evening, and guests opted to join the Champagne and Diamonds event, donating $100 for an Operation Kindness champagne flute and the chance to win either a bezel-set diamond pendant necklace in 14K yellow gold on 18″ chain or a halo diamond pendant necklace set in 14K gold with 16” yellow gold chain.
A raffle for VISA gift cards totaling $5,000 was drawn during the evening, and the event also included a live auction led by the Cowboy Auctioneers, featuring exclusive packages like tickets to the upcoming Country Music Awards and vacations to private homes in Belize. No one went home empty handed thanks to the complimentary dog and cat treat bar, where guests could fill a bag with treats to take home to their furry friends.
The most special attraction though was the Animal Adoption lounge, featuring dogs and cats from Operation Kindness awaiting loving homes. Two cocker spaniels, Bluebonnet and Larkspur, went to new homes during the evening thanks to the open hearts of Hope Gala patrons.
“Our Hope Gala event brings the most passionate supporters of Operation Kindness together each year to celebrate all that they have made possible for the animals thanks to their generosity,” said Ed Jamison. “It was so uplifting to see special friends of our animals for an unforgettable evening of dining, dancing and fundraising for our cause.”
Special thanks to Hope Gala Platinum Sponsors, Susan and Scott Wilson and Fireside Capital Advisors, for making the event possible.
Learn more about our special events here. Photos from the 2024 Hope Gala available here.
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