Sunday, August 3rd, 2025 | Boerne, Texas

On a sweltering Sunday under the relentless Texas sun, something truly remarkable happened in Boerne, Texas. Over 1,000 guests and more than 50 volunteers gathered for the first-ever Texas Spirit benefit event—planned, wrangled, and pulled off in just 10 days.

It didn’t go off without a hitch. In fact, it came with a whole team of hitches. But our community showed up anyway—boots on the ground, sweat on their brows, hearts wide open.

Mike and Mary of Random Beer Garden generously donated their venue for the weekend, giving us the space to host a celebration that was equal parts chaos and community magic. We hit a snag when a former tenant refused to release their TABC license, preventing us from serving alcohol on the property. But the parking lot? Not under that license. So, we got ourselves a TABC event permit, a whole lotta ice, and a plan.

Elite Events out of San Antonio stepped in like heroes, donating a 40×60 tent, tables and chairs. That tent became our bar oasis—our spot of shade and celebration.

The stage overflowed with Hill Country heart: 🎶 Lisa Sullivan, Bill Goodge, Kay O’Neill, Aaron Lacombe, and a surprise set from Gunnar Latham kept toes tapping all day. Even when Mario Flores had to bow out last minute, the show never missed a beat—Double D’s Sound Production hauled their gear down from Belton and made us sound like a million bucks. And none of it would’ve happened without Hawk Sullivan, the master wrangler who rounded up these generous artists and choreographed every set time like a pro.

Pitmaster Al Frugoni and his team took the lead on the food, and wowed the crowd with a full open-fire pig roast. Alongside Hawk Sullivan and his crew, they cranked out chicken, sausage, and brisket sandwiches—meat flying, smoke rolling, flavor everywhere. Shelby’s Dae-Ly Meals brought the sides—pinto beans, green beans, and mac & cheese—and took charge serving it all up. Together, they kept the crowd fed— excellent food and nonstop hustle.

Gage Garrett (Caliber Outfitters), Jeremy Jackson and Scott Reed were the human Swiss Army knives of the day—hauling ice, herding generators, restocking sodas, and plugging every loose end before it unraveled. It was the kind of quiet, grind-until-you-drop hustle nobody notices in the moment but everybody feels when the wheels keep turning smooth.

The silent auction was stacked thanks to dozens of generous donors—gift cards, getaways, artwork, fishing trips, photography sessions, and more. Some highlights:

Maggie Justice (MJ’s Equine Art Studio) came down from Fort Worth with her incredible painting “All the Noise.” Though it didn’t hit its reserve, we’re beyond thankful for her generosity and spirit.
Stone Creek Ranch (thanks to Tom Wright) donated a two-night stay for six.
Veteran Frenchies gave us a precious 12-week-old French Bulldog pup who now has a new forever family.
Tina Couet of Sunshine Sunbeams Glass donated a stunning 16″ beveled star despite suffering her own losses in the flood. Her studio in Ingram was nearly wiped out—but she still showed up.

Scroll through the slideshow to see some of the items we auctioned off.

Andy Ramos, John Sutterfield, and Jim Sullivan of American Legion Post 79 made the long drive from Alpine, Texas, to hand-deliver a generous donation to the Texas Spirit Flood Relief Fund. They didn’t come to bid—they came to give, and we’re incredibly grateful for their support and solidarity.

We had a little bit of everything:

🖍️ A kids’ craft table
🎸 Great live music
🎤 A small live auction
🍽️ Incredible food
🥶 Cold drinks
🫶 And the kind of love you only find when the community comes together in hard times.

Even KSAT showed up to cover the story—because it was one worth telling see the story HERE.

We’re still calculating totals, sorting receipts, and icing our feet—but one thing is crystal clear: Texas Spirit is alive and well, and y’all just proved it.

To everyone single one of you who came, donated, sang, served, danced, drank, volunteered, and cheered us on—thank you from the bottom of our sweaty, sunburned, grateful hearts. 💛

There are no words big enough to thank the core group who held this thing together with grit, sweat, duct tape, and a whole lot of heart. This wasn’t just an event — it was a full-blown mission. And these folks were in the trenches from start to finish: Audrey, Jeremy, Cordelia, Gage, Stephanie, Sarah, Al, Luka, Angel, Stone, Mike, Scott R., Hawk, Cassidy, Mallory, Scott V., Diana, Shelly — thank you for being the backbone of this wild effort. Your commitment, creativity, and can-do attitude carried us every step of the way.

To the volunteers who showed up the before and day of the event — jumping in wherever help was needed, from set up to hauling ice to managing kids crafts and running auction tables — we see you and we’re so dang grateful: Mariam, William, Shana, Mike, Tosha, Guiomar, Rebecca, Kristen, Paige, Paul, John, Cristal, Jesse, Dean, Jean, Lisa, Melanie, Brian, Paula, Jesse, Harrison, Caitlan, Cathy, Charolette, Ashley, Mattie, Winborne, Rob, Tanner M., Ethan, Emilio, Will, Samuel, Sabina, Paige, Linda, Tanner A., David, Eddie, Amber, Jess, Jennifer, Hannah, Dave, Myrna, Jim, Lizzy, Gabriel, Krista, Carmen, Anthony, Tim, Mike, Charlene, Payton, Sebastian, Carter, Brandon, and Luigi. ( I apologize if I missed anyone)

You all gave your time, your energy, your patience, and your full hearts. This event happened only because of every single one of you.