More than 400 people came together to raise more than half a million dollars for Centers for Children and Families at their 20th Anniversary Centers Stage fundraiser on Aug. 12.
The Havana Nights gala included support from various corporations, foundations, and individuals in the area and raised the record breaking amount for the annual event.
The evening included a ceremony dedicated to honoring special friends and philanthropists in the Permian Basin. The Honorary Chairs, Donna & Bob Landreth, were honored as sustaining supporters of the organization and welcomed the guests to the special evening. Each year, two founders awards are given to outstanding individuals in our community.
The 2022 recipients of the Mary Elizabeth “Ibby” Whitaker Hardie Award were Cindy & Homer Daniels. The Daniels’ were recognized for their exceptional philanthropy within the Permian Basin. The 2022 recipients of the Harriet Herd Founders Award were both Jay Hendricks and Steve Taylor.
Hendricks, CBS7 news anchor, has emceed the Centers Stage event for the past 20 years. Taylor, well-renowned local auctioneer, has worked together with Hendricks in live-auctions for countless non-profit organizations throughout the Permian Basin. Each honoree has been transformational in their help not only to Centers for Children and Families, but to the community as a whole.
In years’ past, the event centered around a speaker. This year, the organization decided to take a different approach.
“Recognizing that we are all a bit overwhelmed by news stories and world events, we decided to give people a space to celebrate a joyful moment with their friends and neighbors” Melanie Saiz, Marketing and Development Director, stated in the press release.
The evening included a Rare Whiskey Raffle, Cork Pulls, Live Auction Entertainment by the Cowboy Auctioneers and the high-energy Mélange band.
Kristi Edwards, CEO of Centers, shared her gratitude for the outpouring of giving: “Our therapists and staff work diligently to provide quality mental health services to our community. We have been here for 57 years and with the generous help of others, we will be here for 57 more.”
