Fort Worth, Texas (June 21, 2024) – Camp Fire First Texas’ 40th annual An Artists’ Christmas gala and art auction will be held on Friday, November 1, 2024, at the River Ranch Stockyards with Carley and Brandon Moore serving as event chairs and Carlo Capua serving as event emcee.
Brandon & Carley Moore, Event Chairs
The signature fundraising event was created in 1984 at the vision of Camp Fire volunteer Sunnie LeBlanc, former CEO/President Zem Neill, and former CEO/President Ann Sheets. The first gala and art auction featured an Andy Warhol artwork that arrived only hours before the event.
Carlos Capua, Event Emcee
A staple of the Fort Worth community, this long-standing event has featured famous speakers and emcees, including Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Emmitt Smith, NBC 5 Today co-anchor Deborah Ferguson, Paige McCoy Smith of WFAA Good Morning Texas, EMMY Award-winning television sports anchor and broadcast journalist Scott Murray, and Andy Taft, President of Downtown Fort Worth Inc.
The 2024 gala honorary chairs will honor those who have supported Camp Fire as honorary chairs over the past forty years, including Ann and Robert M. Bass, Marie and Brandon Chase, and Jake Yarbrough.
Over the decades, An Artists’ Christmas has been held in various Fort Worth event venues, including The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel, Omni Fort Worth Hotel, Fort Worth Convention Center, and the Fort Worth Zoo.
“I was introduced to Camp Fire in 2008, and I have attended An Artists’ Christmas since its 25th anniversary event that year. Being invited to chair the 40th anniversary is truly an honor. Fort Worth is a relationship rich city, and the history of this event is a prime example of the collaborative, philanthropic spirit that is our Fort Worth. This fundraising art exhibition and auction was the first of its kind and we look forward to celebrating that legacy with a Forty and Fabulous event on November 1, 2024,” said Carley and Brandon Moore, Event Chairs.
An Artists’ Christmas gala features a silent art auction, gourmet three-course meal, and a live auction with amazing items and experiences. The stars of An Artists’ Christmas are the more than 50 pieces of original artwork donated by highly skilled artists for this event. Over its long history, the local art community has generously supported this event by donating works that have raised more than $8 million to support youth in Camp Fire programs. This year’s artwork will be auctioned online, allowing guests to bid from their phones at the event or other supporters to bid from home.
Josh Weathers, Event Musician
Josh Weathers will provide the night’s entertainment, and a new event feature will be an After Party! Reduced–rate tickets will be available for guests to join the party after dinner to enjoy music and an open bar.
Brian Miller, Camp Fire First Texas CEO/President said, “Camp Fire An Artists’ Christmas has become a cherished tradition in Fort Worth, and this year’s 40th-anniversary event promises to be our best yet. With incredible artwork, exciting auctions, and new features like the After Party, it’s an evening you won’t want to miss. The support we receive from this event directly impacts the lives of youth in our programs, helping them thrive and grow into their full potential. Join us in celebrating four decades of community, creativity, and commitment to our mission.”
Sponsorship opportunities are available now starting at $2,500, with table and individual ticket sales opening on July 15.
Want to preview the art show? Visit the William Campbell Gallery located at 217 Foch St in Fort Worth, from October 25-26 to view the artwork in person prior to the gala event.
An Artists’ Christmas is open to the public. For more information, please call 817.831.2111, ext. 161, or visit CampFireFW.org/AAC
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About Camp Fire First Texas
Camp Fire First Texas invests in North Texas communities by providing out-of-school time and outdoor learning programs for children and youth while also offering workforce development programs for the educators who care for them.
Our programs stand out as they are uniquely focused on the two periods of greatest brain growth and development: early childhood and early adolescence; leverage the impact of the outdoor environment on the brain to educate and connect children to each other and the world around them; and maintain a continuous improvement loop to maximize community impact.
Camp Fire believes in the dignity and the intrinsic worth of every human being. We strive to create safe and inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and foster positive relationships.
