Camp Fire First Texas (CFFT), our local Camp Fire affiliate, was founded in 1914. That’s 110 years of providing experiences through both outdoor and after-school programs that allow children to connect with nature, their peers, and themselves. In 1934, Camp El Tesoro, with its mission to cut the cord and allow kids to be kids, was established. In 1987, El Tesoro de la Vida Grief Camp was established to help children ages 2 through 17 navigate grief with the help of their peers. And for 40 years, An Artists’ Christmas gala has helped raise the necessary funds to support Camp Fire First Texas and its mission to provide every child in our community with “access to the learning opportunities they need to succeed and thrive in a rapidly changing world.”

Photo courtesy of Camp Fire First Texas

This year, Carley and Brandon Moore are serving as chairs of the 40^th annual An Artists’ Christmas. I recently spoke with Carley, who has been involved for more than 15 years, about her experiences with Camp Fire First Texas.

Originally from New Mexico, Carley is a local realtor who moved to Fort Worth in 2008. She met her husband Brandon, owner of Mustang Credit Solutions, at the Colonial in 2007. (In a delightfully romcom-esque twist, they both worked for the same bank.) Carley was living in Lubbock at the time, and after dating long-distance for a year, Carley moved to Fort Worth.

“I sold my house and moved without a job,” Carley said. “Plus, I was ready for something new [instead of working at a bank], and I thought about looking for a job in marketing. I had always volunteered with local nonprofits and enjoyed it. Volunteering has always been very important to me.”

During her job search, Carley met a member of CFFT’s board, and thus, a decades-long relationship was born.

“I started volunteering in the fall of 2008, right before the 25^th anniversary of An Artists’ Christmas,” said Carley. “And then I actually started working there! I was on staff from 2009 to 2010 as I was beginning to build my real estate business, and I’ve continued to volunteer. Mainly I’ve worked on An Artists’ Christmas, but I’ve also been lucky to do some speaking for CFFT at things like corporate events. So to be asked to chair An Artists’ Christmas is a huge honor.”

For 40 years, art lovers and supporters of Camp Fire have come together for a night of great music, gourmet food, a silent and live auction, and dancing, all to ensure that area children can experience the magic of Camp Fire.

photo credit: Rachel Delira
Photo courtesy of Camp Fire First Texas

“I love this gala so much,” Carley said. “We’ve got such a great art community in Fort Worth, and there’s a real desire within that community to support CFFT.”

An Artists’ Christmas Gala 2024 will take place on Saturday, November 1 at River Ranch Stockyards. The emcee is local businessman Carlo Capua. “Carlo is so fun,” Carley said. “I’m really looking forward to [him being the emcee].”

Fort Worth favorite Josh Weathers will be making music to make you kick up your heels and strut your stuff on the dance floor. And if you don’t want the party to end, don’t worry. This year, CFFT has introduced an After Party, where you can enjoy more music and drinks and make s’mores around the campfire.

photo credit: Rachel Delira
Photo courtesy of Camp Fire First Texas

Of course, the highlight of the gala is the art. If you want a sneak peek of the art show before November 1, head over to the William Campbell Gallery at 217 Foch Street from October 25 through 26.

“The very first gala was in 1985,” Carley said. “In the 1985 gala catalog, the William Campbell Gallery received an award for enlisting the support of so many artists for the first gala, and 40 years later, they’re still helping!”

I asked Carley if she had any juicy tidbits about the gala to share with us. “Of course, we’re still putting together some amazing packages,” she said. “But the 40^th anniversary is traditionally the ruby anniversary. We’re working with very well-known, local jeweler on an extra-special something for the raffle!”

An Artists’ Christmas

When: Saturday, November 1, from 6:30 to 10:30
After Party is from 8:30 to 10:30 (tickets to the After Party required)

Where: River Ranch Stockyards

Attire: Cocktail – Sequins and Sparkles!

To purchase a table or individual tickets, click here, and we’ll see you on November 1!

The post Celebrating a Ruby Anniversary: The 40th Annual An Artists’ Christmas Gala first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

The award, named after the iconic Texas novelist and screenwriter, Larry McMurtry, honors native Texans who have made great contributions to the film, television and creative industries. The 2021 honorees were Ethan Hawke and Richard Linklater.

“It’s an honor to be getting the Larry McMurtry Award in my hometown,” said Taylor Sheridan. “I was such a fan of his work and being recognized in this way is for sure a thrill.  I feel lucky to be able to tell the stories I love while also giving back to the community that has meant so much to me.”

Photo courtesy of the Lone Star Film Festival

Taylor Sheridan is an Academy Award-nominated writer behind the hit series YELLOWSTONE, its critically acclaimed prequel 1883, and the hit series MAYOR OF KINGSTOWN. His breakout screenplay SICARIO earned massive praise, followed by Golden Globe and Oscar nominated HELL OR HIGH WATER, and the highly successful WIND RIVER. Sheridan has many more projects in the works, including 1923, LIONESS, and 1883: THE BASS REEVES STORY. A Texas native, Taylor owns and operates two ranches in his home state: the legendary 6666 Ranch, headquartered in Guthrie, and Bosque Ranch in Weatherford. Taylor excels in the Western horse performance industry as an avid supporter and competitor in reining and cutting.

Taylor Sheridan’s Paramount+ hit, 1883, filmed in Fort Worth over the summer of 2021 in the Stockyards National Historic District and surrounding ranches.

“Taylor is changing the landscape of television and his contributions to the film industry in Texas will only continue to grow,“ said Jessica Christopherson, vice president of marketing and film commissioner for the Visit Fort Worth and the FWFC. “1883 employed hundreds of locals and contributed greatly to the local economy; we are so excited to honor Taylor at this year’s gala.”

Visit Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Film Commission are partnering with LSFF to produce the 2022 gala and festival. Details of the 2022 LSFF including the lineup of films, panels and events will be announced in August.

“We are thrilled to honor Fort Worth’s own Taylor Sheridan,” said Chad Mathews, director of the Lone Star Film Society and Lone Star Film Festival. “Our Board of Directors wanted to recognize Sheridan for all he has done for the film industry in Fort Worth, and the Larry McMurtry Award seemed the perfect fit.

Community leader and board chair of the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame, Kit Moncrief, will serve as chair of Lone Star Film Festival Gala.

Moncrief is a familiar figure to the philanthropic community throughout North Texas. She has supported a number of causes through her roles as a philanthropist, wildlife conservationist, and animal welfare advocate.

“I am grateful to be a part of the Lone Star Film Festival Gala this year, especially as my dear friend, Taylor Sheridan, is being awarded with the Larry McMurtry Award. The Festival provides a great opportunity to celebrate films and filmmakers from around the world and showcase all that Fort Worth has to offer.”

Moncrief currently serves as President of the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame and co-Chairwoman of the Fort Worth Zoological Association. Kit is the first woman to serve as the Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Texas Christian University and will become Chair in the Fall of 2022. She is past President and current Vice President of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Foundation. Kit also serves as Vice President of the Moncrief Cancer Foundation, a board member of UT Southwestern Moncrief Cancer Institute, the Brown Lupton Foundation, Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.

In addition, Kit co-founded the Saving Hope Foundation, an organization with the intent to end animal abuse and neglect through advocacy, education, and spay-neuter programs. Outside of Fort Worth, she serves on the Board of the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health National Advisory Board.

Individual seats to the gala are available for $750 each and tables start at $10,000. Proceeds of all sales go to the Johnny Langdon Film Education Initiative, which provides film education programs for adults as well as high school aged students interested in the art of cinema. For more information, visit https://www.lonestarfilmfestival.com/gala.

The post Taylor Sheridan to Be Honored at Lone Star Film Festival first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

The special one-night event will take place March 26, 2022, from 7 to 10 pm at the Kimpton Harper Hotel. The historic building will be the perfect backdrop to an evening filled with the celebration of Black history, legacy, and empowerment. In concert with International Women’s History Month, the 45th Anniversary is an opportunity to spotlight the remarkable contributions that Black women have made to the county’s history and legacy. The celebration and program will include a salute to the honoree of the evening, Executive Director of the non-profit Historical Society and Curator of the Lenora Rolla Heritage Center Museum, Brenda Sanders-Wise, and induct 11 new female members into the Hall of Fame, including the Grandmother of Juneteenth herself, Ms. Opal Lee. In addition to the honors awarded, the evening will include special remarks by Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, City Council Representative Chris Nettles, Precinct 1 Commissioner Roy Charles Brooks, US Congressman of District 33 Marc Veasey, among others. Attendees will enjoy dinner during the program provided by the Kimpton Harper Hotel.

The Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical Society was founded in April 1977 by 21 charter members. The organization was born from the mind of Ms. Lenora Rolla, a community activist and devoted public servant. As a member of multiple Bicentennial Committees, Ms. Rolla was concerned that the history of Tarrant County’s Black citizens was unrecognized during these celebrations. She founded the organization after realizing that none of the local universities or libraries held any significant material about Black history, and essential archival material only existed in private collections. Her vision to collect, safeguard, and uplift Black history for the future has led the organization for 45 years.

When asked about the 45th Anniversary and what this celebration means for the organization, President of Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical Society, Jimmy Walker, said, “In 1977, Lenora Rolla had the vision to create an African American museum, that would educate our community about the significant contributions that African American men and women made, in Ft Worth, Tarrant County, Texas and beyond. I am excited to be celebrating our 45th Anniversary because our organization has believed in Lenora Rolla’s vision and has worked tirelessly to keep it sustained and alive. I am proud to say, through hard work, dedication, and commitment, we have sustained this organization for 45 years. Additionally, this celebration gives us the opportunity to recognize and honor some of the great trailblazers and thank our community for their continued support.”

Top, l to r: Opal Lee, Mae Cora, Clara Faulkner, Sarah Walker
Bottom, l to r: Elvira McBride, Erma Bonner Platte, Gleniece Robinson, Gwendolyn Caldwell Morris

The Historical Society often states that Black history is American history, although it often goes unnoticed, unsung, or, worse yet, erased. The organization’s commitment to upholding and preserving this history is evident by celebrating these 11 remarkable women, who’ve each shaped pieces of Tarrant County history in their own unique way. Alongside Ms. Opal Lee (a charter member of the organization), Hall of Fame inductees include Sarah Walker, Rhonda Pruitt, Dr. Gwendolyn Morrison, Dr. Gleniece Robinson, Vivian Lewis Wells, Clara Faulkner, Elvia McBride,  Faye Barksdale, Erma Bonner Platte, and Marnese Barksdale Elder.

When asked about the organization’s choice to spotlight women’s contributions for the 45th Anniversary, Honoree and Executive Director Brenda Sander-Wise, said, “Our organization has chosen to spotlight these amazing Black women’s contributions to Tarrant County for the 45th Anniversary because of their courage and strength, self-confidence, optimism, and commitment to the community. These are amazing women who have defied the odds, breaking through glass ceilings, and becoming icons in their communities by paving the way for others to do the same, and creating a desire for a better future.  Their stories serve as beacons of light.  Most of all, their stories remind all of us that their history is significant.”

As a unique element of the evening’s festivities, the organization will announce the First Annual Lenora Butler Rolla Scholarship Competition and will award two $1,000 scholarships to deserving high school seniors in May. The students will be chosen based on a written essay about either, “Why Tarrant County Needs A Black History Museum” or little-known and forgotten figures in Tarrant County Black History. The scholarship application can be found on the organization’s website effective February 15, 2022.

Tickets can be purchased on the organization’s website, via PayPal or Cash App @TCblackhistory, and on Eventbrite HERE. Special sponsorship packages are available for organizations, businesses, and corporations.

The post Historical Society Celebrates 45 Years of Safekeeping and Uplifting Black History first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Celebrate Fort Worth’s western heritage with an evening of fun and fundraising featuring a silent auction, dinner, dancing, and live music by Country Music Academy Award winning entertainers Maddie and Tae. The event will also showcase and acknowledge the 2022 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo’s annual Stock Show Art Contest winners during a scholarship presentation and auction of their art.

“The Junior League of Fort Worth celebrates the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo with Grand Entry Gala. Guests will enjoy a night of cocktails and community support to kickoff rodeo season!” said Elizabeth Knuckley, President of JLFW.

This year, the JLFW will recognize Debbie and Albon Head as the Honorary Chairs of Grand Entry Gala. Mr. and Mrs. Head have a long history of service and philanthropy in the Fort Worth community and their involvement and support of many causes including the annual Stock Show Art Contest.

This event helps enable the Junior League of Fort Worth to give back to the local community. In 2021-2022, JLFW will provide over $750,000 in grants and sponsorships to the community.

More information at www.GrandEntryGala.com. Contact the Junior League of Fort Worth at 817.332.7500 for any additional information.

The post Grand Entry Gala Is Back! first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

The Spotlight Award honors a creative artist who has significantly broadened the range of voices, perspectives and stories told through the cinematic arts. The award is designed to acknowledge the accomplishments of an artist who has succeeded in generating equity, inclusion and diversity in the film industry. Godfrey Peoples will be the inaugural recipient of the Spotlight Award.

Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Peoples studied theater at Baylor University then enrolled in the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Godfrey Peoples was named one of Filmmaker Magazine’s 25 New Faces of Independent Film in 2018. Her debut feature film Miss Juneteenth filmed in Fort Worth in 2019 with support from the Fort Worth Film Commission. The critically acclaimed film premiered at Sundance 2020 and was released on Juneteenth of that year. The National Board of Review awarded Godfrey Peoples with Best Directorial Debut of 2020. Godfrey Peoples’ short film Doretha’s Blues, which debuted at SXSW in 2021 also filmed in Fort Worth in 2019. Channing is developing a Miss Juneteenth TV Series under her first-look deal with UCP.

Photo courtesy of Variety Magazine

“We are thrilled to honor Channing Godfrey Peoples for her contributions to the film industry,” said Chad Mathews, director of the Lone Star Film Society. “Her powerful writing and directorial style is an inspiration for filmmakers.”

This year’s gala will also honor Texans Richard Linklater and Ethan Hawke with the inaugural Larry McMurtry Award. Linklater and Hawke will attend the gala in person and participate in a conversation led by Krys Boyd, host of KERA’s Think.

Tickets are now available for the Lone Star Film Festival Gala After Party. The After Party will be held at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth on Saturday, November 13, from 9:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 and include beer, wine and entertainment from Disko Cowboy of Vinyl Ranch.

The Fort Worth Film Commission, a division of Visit Fort Worth, is partnering with Lone Star to produce the sold-out 2021 gala. All proceeds from the gala support the Lone Star Film Society’s Johnny Langdon Film Education Initiative.

For more information about the Lone Star Film Festival, visit www.lonestarfilmfestival.com. Approved media image here.

The post Shining a Spotlight on Channing Godfrey Peoples first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

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 37^th 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.

The post Camp Fire First Texas Intercepts Emmitt Smith and Deborah Ferguson first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.