Granting Wishes to Moms with Terminal Illnesses

Heartbreaking Stories Make Everyone Count their Blessings at this Important Gala

By Merrit Stahle // Jun 26, 2017

Photography Bob Manzano

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Kelly Wolgamott , Melissa Cary, Missy Phipps, Holly Reed

Teresa Willis, Lynn Baker, Ayesha & Paul Boykin, Marty & Eric Painter

Lewis Milbry, Kristen Zerega

Cynthia Smoot

Kim Gilchrist, Carmen Surgent

Bob & Lisa Cooper, Stacey & Jim Sauer

Jon Mellon, Steve Kemble, Dawn Mellon, Chad Collom

What: 3rd Annual Boots & Blessings Gala benefiting Ally’s Wish

Where: Gilley’s Dallas

PC Moment:Trips to Disney World, helicopter rides over the Grand Canyon, and family getaways have all been wishes granted by Ally’s Wish Foundation, an organization that grants wishes to mothers with terminal illnesses. The Third Annual Boots & Blessings Gala kicked off with a silent auction and a wish wall with stories of mothers and their wishes. Guests generously donated directly to wishes of their choice.

Emcee Kellie Raspberry livened up the party with an intense game of heads or tails, with a two-night staycation at the Four Seasons Las Colinas on the line. Guests snacked on BBQ fare and danced to country-western tunes from the Breckenridge Band. After dinner, Ally’s Wish president and co-founder Missy Phipps touched hearts with the story of the founding of the organization, in honor of her close friend Allyson Hendrickson. Guests also watched a heartwarming video with wish impact stories from current wish recipient Ayesha Boykin.

Granting Wishes: presenters Lisa and Greg Drew; event chairs, Kim Gilchrist and Carmen Surgent; Ally’s Wish co-founders, Melissa Cary and Holly Reed.