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Camp Fire First Texas Intercepts Emmitt Smith and Deborah Ferguson
Emmitt Smith, philanthropist, businessman, family-man, Pro Football Hall of Famer, and three-time Super Bowl champion with the Dallas Cowboys, will be the keynote at Camp Fire First Texas An Artists’ Christmas gala and art auction on November 19 at the Fort Worth Convention Center. This is the first year the annual gala has featured a guest speaker while Deborah Ferguson of NBC5 will serve as host and emcee.
Smith will share inspired and practical lessons learned throughout his life that helped him along his career path.
“Welcoming a speaker the caliber of Emmitt Smith to this year’s event is a celebratory way to reintroduce our annual gala to the community after going virtual in 2020. It also allows Camp Fire to expand the interest beyond art patrons. At the heart of An Artists’ Christmas is the desire to inspire our community with our vision so thoroughly that they carry it beyond the event walls, beyond this one night, and become lifelong fans of the organization and what we are accomplishing each day,” said Lauren Richard, President/CEO of Camp Fire First Texas.
Evalis and Jay Chapa, Honor Chairs
Photo courtesy of Camp Fire First Texas
Evalis and Jay Chapa are serving as this year’s honor chairs for the 2021 gala along with Event Chairs, Linda and Jake Jacobson. An Artists’ Christmas features local and regional artists’ work that is available for purchase via silent auction.
“Our lives have been intertwined with Camp Fire First Texas for almost 20 years,” explained Honor Chairs Evalis and Jay Chapa. “Not only supporting the organization as volunteers and donors, but also personally as parents. Our daughter attended Camp Fire First Texas camps and programs. When you see first-hand the influence a strong program has on your child, it is easy to support it for life. We are thrilled about the fresh direction of this year’s event.”
With the welcoming of a featured speaker, the art will continue to be the shining star of this signature event for Camp Fire First Texas.
“This is the 37th year of An Artists’ Christmas,” shared Linda and Jake Jacobson, the 2021 event chairs. “It is so vital that while we re-imagined this year’s event, we also showcased the art collection that truly differentiates this event from any others in the community. The committee is still in the process of accepting art for consideration for this year’s juried art exhibit and silent auction but are encouraged by the prospective art submissions. We are beyond blessed to have such talented artists in our community who consistently show up with their support for the event and the youth served.”
The local art community has generously supported this event over its long history by donating works so that the auction proceeds will support Camp Fire programs. Since 1984, An Artist’s Christmas has contributed nearly $5 million to support youth in Camp Fire programs.
In addition, the event will also include a live auction with vacation and entertainment packages.
An Artists’ Christmas is open to the public. For ticket information, sponsorship opportunities or to learn more about how to submit art to the juried show, please call 817.831.2111, or visit CampFireFW.org/AAC.
