The annual Morning Star Ranch Gala, hosted by Celebration Event Center on Oct. 25, may have featured Alice in Wonderland routines, but no one was ‘mad’ at the evening filled with great food, entertainment and recognition in benefit of the faith-based children’s ministry.
The event also marked the final appearance by the companion of well-known rider, who isn’t human but impresses many.
“Kenny and Nicole Petit brought many to tears as they chose the Star Gala as the official retirement ceremony for Boogie,” said Morning Star founder Travis Bickham.
Boogie the dog has carried Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey in rodeo performances for 10 years, and his final performance was at the Star Gala. He is now retired while Whiplash will move on to a new mount for future performances.
Also performing were the Hardin-Simmons Six White Horses from Abilene with a dazzling display of precision while performing a high speed drill with flags. The evening entertainment closed out with crowd favorite, Bobby Kerr with his team of mustangs and working dogs.
“Bobby put on a full performance with his old car, bull whip, pistol, horseback stunts, fire, and the amazing stunts done by his horses and dogs,” Bickham said, adding that the spectacle got the crowd to their feet.
Carley Cary, a Morning Star Ranch rider, proudly carried the American flag at the beginning of the program while Chris Fondacaro belted out a touching rendition of the National Anthem.
The centerpiece of the Gala performances was the Morning Star Ranch Rider Showcase, which opened the showwithridersonhorseback demonstrating their skills on an Alice in Wonderland themed obstacle course. Showcase riders included Autry Hallmark, Kyleigh Page, Faye Sanders and Bradly Stickney.
The kids were recognized later as Bickham announced this year’s WRANGLERS (children who completed the Morning Star Ranch summer learning program).
Receiving their certificates for completion of the WRANGLER program were Khloe Alvarado, Evelyn Gillespie, Tilly Keith, Faye Sanders, Kyleigh Page and Makynlee Turner. WRANGLERS not attending were Mia Clark, Madelynn Hale, Raegan Fondacaro, Kennedy Wiess and Sofia Hough.
Morning Star Ranch Rider of the Year was awarded to Khloe Alvarado of Dublin.
Morning Star Ranch Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Randy Smalling of Stephenville.
Morning Star Ranch Board Member of the Year was awarded to Lanell Upshaw of DeLeon. “I’m shocked to receive this because I receive more blessings by serving in this ministry than those that we seek to serve and help,” said Upshaw of the distinction. “It is such an honor to work with these kids! The ranch is a part of their growth, their healing, and their story. We see miracles happening every day!”
Bickham echoed these sentiments of appreciation when she addressed the crowd at the beginning of the program: “This is a dream that God placed on my heart 30 years ago. When His timing was right, the pieces fell into place. It started two years ago with two rescue horses and one young lady that “just wanted to ride a horse. Since then, we have impacted around 200 children through our different activitiesandprograms. We are so thankful to this community for supporting this ministry. We could not do it without our donors, sponsors, supporters, and volunteers.”
Creating the beautiful backdrop for the evening were Kenzi Cleys of Lingleville and local vendors including Inflated Creations, Scott’s Flowers On the Square, ID Boutique and Creations by Caylan.
Guests enjoyed drinks and homemade appetizers provided by the Warrior Women of Cornerstone Church and catering by Cotton Patch Café.
The crowd also enjoyed a live auction led by local auctioneer J. Bryan Davis. The top selling item was a guided hunt donated by Mooring 4M Ranch of Paluxy. Bickham declared the cutest auction item the 5-year-old miniature horse, GingerSnap, donated by Kim Hartranft.
Doug Mathis, rodeo announcer and voice actor, served as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening.
Morning Star Ranch is a faith-basedchildren’sministry located in Erath County. They are a 501c3 charitable organization who serves at-risk and disadvantaged children ages 4-12. The cornerstone of their program is free horseback riding lessons, modeled after the Equine Facilitated Learning program. Children also engage in the summer learning program, day camps, monthly Movie Night, local parades, and other western lifestyle activities. For more information, find them on Facebook at: Morning Star Ranch – Dublin, TX or through their website at www. msranch.org.