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Go-Giver Gala 2020: Bringing Back Teague Park
By Jo ycel yne Fadojutimi /iplusmag .com
The first Go-Giver Gala to benefit Longview’s homeless residents was a sterling success. But wait, the second annual Go-Giver gala was the tops. However, the third Go-Giver Gala was phenomenal. Those who attended the Maude Cobb Center extravaganza savored a whirlwind of dining, dancing and recognition of the town’s top GoGivers. Those so honored this year are: Horaney’s, Peter’s Chevrolet Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat; and Texas Bank and Trust.
“It was a phenomenal event. Longview is the greatest place to live because of the incredibly kindhearted and generous people who live here. I never expected such a huge turnout for the first year,” he said. “But Longview never lets me down.” That was in 2018. His honor also acknowledged the volunteers who gave so much effort to ensure the Go-Givers Gala was such a victory for its cause. In 2018, Mayor Andy Mack said, “Julie Woods, her friends and city staff including Maude Cobb employees hit it out
Go Giver Recipients: Keith, Chris, and Scott Peters with Mayor Andy Mack
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of the park,” he said. “It will be hard to top this effort.” In 2019, Julie Woods, her friends and the City of Longview including the donors surprised Mack.
They exceeded expectations in all areas topping 2018 Go-Giver gala whose funds were used for tackling homelessness. The 2019 donations were for improving Highway 80. This is crucial because Highway 80 is a significant and vital thoroughfare that runs right through Longview, providing transportation to the local economy. Also, the highway is lined with numerous motels, restaurants and assorted businesses that are central to the city’s financial health, providing residents with jobs and attracting money-spending visitors. It is important to note, various stretches of Highway 80 see between 15,000 and 30,000 cars per day. Then, there is Teague Park, the gem of Highway 80. Hence, “Bringing back Teague Park,” was the goal of 2020 Go-Giver Gala. Once more, Longview did not let Mayor Mack Down.
Drs. Spencer, Andy, Luke and Madison Mack
Dr. Baleigh Trull and Dr. Luke Mack
Monni Sheik and Dr. Madison Mack
Dr. Quentin and wife Go-Giver Gala Chairwoman Julie Woods dancing under disco lights
According to Julie Woods, the Chair’s event, Go-Giver Gala 2020 exceeded set goals. More people attended – 700 to be exact. There was more fun, and the Gala raised much money than the two previous years. “Our goal was to raise $250K in cash and had over $62,000 of in-kind services donated. All in all, we ended up raising $322K. It was beyond my wildest dreams. Thanks to our generous donors and all who attended. Now, off to planning 2021.”
Mayor Mack said it best, “We overachieved! We raised over $322,000 of cash and in-kind services. Our goal was to be at $250K. We never thought it would be so much over and above our goal. The residents of Longview continue to give over and over again. This shows they are invested in and care about Hwy 80 and the revitalization of Teague Park. We are a Go-Giver community. Thank You Longview.”
- Mayor Andy Mack
Flecia Woods and President Dan Droege
Jordan and Michelle Miller
Jose Corona and Lauren Wright
Julie Woods and Ken Carter
Al Horaney and Ron Hefley
Young Professionals of Longview welcome New President : Tyler Hudson
Crowd dancing
Crowd getting Tequila
AKnight to Remember” Gala benefitting St. Mary's Catholic School is slated f April 25.
This fun night includes music from Dagnabbit, silent auction and raffling off a blue 2017 Chevrolet Camaro LT at The Summit Club.
Moreover, following supporters of St. Mary's Catholic School will be honored:
Honorary Chairmen: The Honorable David and Mrs. Susan McWhorter
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award for Excellence in Catholic Education:
Honorary Alumni: Dr. Jon & Mrs. Mitzi Fontenot Outstanding Alumna : Mrs. Linda Robinett St Mary’s slates “A Knight to Remember”
Shawn Hall, Allyson Bailey and Lynn Maupin Judge Tim Bryan and Shawn Hall Katlyn Scott and Melissa Azzam President-Elect Tyler Hudson
Chris Dowell, Amber Stevens, Sylvia Williams and Judah Mitchell
Despite the rain and foggy weather, members of Young Professionals of Longview (YPL) came out to welcome new president, Tyler Hudson during the first 2020 Mix and Mingle held at Alibi Eatery and Barcadia in Down- town Longview, Texas. Here is what President Hudson said:
“I am absolutely thrilled to be President of this wonderful organization in 2020 and beyond. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me personally about YPL or any aspects that Longview has to offer! I have been an active YPL member since I first moved here to Longview in 2015, after growing up outside of Houston. I attended Texas State University in San Marcos and earned a degree in Business
Outgoing President Chelsea Case and President-Elect Tyler Hudson
Rachael Brabham and Brian Tomlinson
Management. My job as a Heavy-Duty Truck Salesman at Pliler International was my motivation for moving to East Texas right after school and I haven’t looked back. Young Professionals of Longview was the first and most successful jumping stone for me to meet like-minded peers in the community of Longview. Initially it was an avenue to meet new friends but as I became more involved and acclimated it became clear how beneficial the networking aspect of YPL is. In 2016, I was inducted onto the Board as Special Events chair and then President Elect in 2019. We have some fun stuff planned this year with mixers, luncheons and special events. Follow us on Facebook or on our new website (dropping soon) and let’s make Longview GREAT!”
Knight to Remember” Gala benefitting St. Mary's Catholic School is slated f April 25.
