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Celebrating a Ruby Anniversary: The 40th Annual An Artists’ Christmas Gala
Founded in 1910, Camp Fire (formerly Camp Fire USA and before that, Camp Fire Girls of America) strives to give children a safe, fun place to grow and learn, with opportunities to form relationships that last a lifetime.
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 40th 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 25th 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 40th 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!
