Tony and Tamara Casillas to serve as 2020 Event Chairs for Boots & Blessings

Boots & Blessings 2020 Event Chairs, Tony and Tamara Casillas with Honorary Chairs, LeeAnne Locken-Emberlin and Rich Emberlin. Photo credit: Bob Manzano

On Tuesday, December 3, Tamara & Tony Casillas opened their home to kick-off the 6th Annual Ally’s Wish Boots & Blessings Gala with a night of sips, shopping and holiday cheer. The team from Vestals Catering passed a delicious menu of appetizers and guests grazed on a beautiful charcuterie table. The Casillas home was beautifully decorated with holiday lights, multiple Christmas trees and 25 family photos taken each year with Santa and their children; a family tradition started by Tamara & Tony when their son was born. Five years ago, four friends founded Ally’s Wish in honor of their dear friend, Allyson Hendrickson whose wish was the first to be granted prior to losing her battle with ovarian cancer in 2014. Hendrickson’s blog, 3 Little Cowboys began as a collection of letters and stories to her three young sons, but it quickly gained a national following spanning seven years. With her friends by her side, she unwrapped her published book, Three Little Cowboys.

Local Charities Surprised with Game-Changing Checks from Reliant

Since 2016, Reliant’s crowdsourced, charitable-giving program Reliant Gives, has donated more than $1 million to dozens of Texas-based nonprofits, including $530,000 to 10 nonprofits in North Texas alone! After a week of intense voting by public supporters, this year's winners were surprised with the results at a check presentation at the Dallas Arboretum. Ally’s Wish, a nonprofit devoted to granting the last wishes of terminally ill mothers, was the big winner, receiving a game-changing donation of $100,000. Granting wishes in the form of services, gifts, transportation, lodging or more, Ally’s Wish provides a memory for the family of a terminally ill mother that will last a lifetime. Wishes typically cost around $5,000 and with the $100,000 donation, Ally’s Wish will be able to fulfill 20 last wishes. A young organization that has already been a meaningful force for families, Ally’s Wish has been able to grant 114 wishes across North Texas and the U.S. since its inception in 2014. Based on public vote totals, Vogel Alcove received $20,000 and Texans Can Academies of Dallas received $10,000. Congrats to this year's winners!

5th Annual Boots & Blessings Gala Raises Funds To Grant Last Wishes of Terminally Ill Moms

Terry Wilcox, Honorable Charlotte Wilcox, Judy and Jack Philips | Photo Bob Manzano

The Fifth Annual Boots & Blessings Gala took place on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at Austin Ranch to benefit Ally’s Wish. The Flower Mound-based organization grants wishes to mothers battling terminal illnesses, so they may create lasting memories with their children and loved ones. Attendees kicked off the night by perusing an extensive silent auction. TV personality Scott Murray served as emcee for the evening and gathered everyone to their seats where the program began with a rousing game of Heads or Tails with the winner receiving a pair of Dallas Cowboys football tickets. Larry and Pat Conner took to the stage to remember their daughter, Allyson Hendrickson, the inspiration for the creation of Ally’s Wish and the organization’s first wish recipient. They wistfully reminisced about her obsession with candy sprinkles and then invited each guest to take the small bottles of candy sprinkles at their place setting and dose their cupcake in memory of Allyson. Larry Conner then led the room in prayer and blessed not only the meal but prayed that guests would open up their hearts and wallets for the evening to support Ally’s Wish in their fundraising endeavors. Guests then enjoyed live Country-Western entertainment from The Breckenridge Band as they dined on a traditional BBQ fare.

Don Your Boots and Be a Blessing to Benefit Ally's Wish

Pat Conner, Cole Hendrickson, Cade Hendrickson, Austin Hendrickson, Larry Conner | Boots & Blessings 2018

Pull out your cowboy boots.

4th Annual Boots & Blessings Gala benefiting Ally’s Wish

Scroll through the gallery for more images from this event. Photos c/o Bob Manzano


The Fourth Annual Boots & Blessings Gala took place on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at Austin Ranch at Hilton DFW Lakes to benefit Ally’s Wish. The Flower Mound-based organization grants wishes such as trips to Disney World or helicopter rides over the Grand Canyon to mothers battling terminal illnesses, so they may create lasting memories with their children and loved ones. “The mission of Ally’s Wish fills a special need that not only touches my heart but leaves a lasting memory for the children of the terminally ill moms they serve. The support at this year’s gala was overwhelming and we are all truly humbled that so many people cared enough to help grant these last wishes. I can’t wait to see what next year’s gala holds as we work to raise even more money and support!” said event chair, Lori Fickling.

Party For A Cause: Boots & Blessings benefitting Ally's Wish on April 21, 2018

Join Ally’s Wish on April 21, 2018 for their 4th Annual Boots & Blessings Gala at the Austin Ranch at Hilton DFW Lakes for a boot scootin’ great cause! The gala evening will include a cocktail hour, a seated dinner buffet, and live Country-Western entertainment from The Breckenridge Band. Amy Vanderoef will be the evening’s emcee. Funds raised from this event will benefit Ally’s Wish. The Flower Mound-based organization grants wishes to young mothers battling terminal illnesses so they may create lasting memories with their children and loved ones. Individual tickets are $150 and tables of 10 are available for $1,500. Corporate and individual sponsorship levels begin at $2,500.

Ally's Wish Benefit Raised Funds To Grant Wishes To Terminally Ill Mothers

Photos c/o Bob Manzano



The Third Annual Boots & Blessings Gala presented by Lisa and Greg Drew took place on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at Gilley’s Dallas to benefit Ally’s Wish. The Flower Mound-based organization grants wishes such as trips to Disney World or helicopter rides over the Grand Canyon to mothers battling terminal illnesses so they may create lasting memories with their children and loved ones. “At Ally’s Wish they tell the terminally ill mothers they serve to ‘dream big, no matter what.’ We selected SHE DREAMS as the theme of this year’s event to inspire us as we raised dollars to help make those wishes come true” said event chairs, Kim Gilchrist and Carmen Surgent. Attendees kicked off the evening by perusing through an extensive silent auction filled with trips, fashion & accessories, sports memorabilia, restaurant and entertainment packages and more. A special “Wish Wall” featuring the stories & wishes of over 20 moms currently on the waiting list allowed guests to donate directly to granting a wish that touched their heart.

Oh So Worthy: Boots and Blessings Gala benefitting Ally's Wish

Three years ago, four friends founded Ally’s Wish in honor of their dear friend, Allyson Hendrickson whose wish was the first to be granted prior to losing her battle with ovarian cancer in 2014. Hendrickson’s blog, 3 Little Cowboys began as a collection of letters and stories to her three young sons, but it quickly gained a national following spanning seven years. With her friends by her side, she unwrapped her published book, Three Little Cowboys. Today a portion of the sales from Hendrickson’s book benefits Ally’s Wish. “We are so thankful for our friend Allyson, and though her time on earth was short, her legacy will last a lifetime,” said Ally’s Wish Founder and President, Missy Phipps. “We are incredibly appreciative for the outpouring of support we’ve received from the community, and we know this gala will be unforgettable, just like Allyson.” Since its inception, Ally’s Wish has granted 56 wishes to young mothers who’ve battled inflammatory breast cancer, Leukemia, colon cancer and other terminal illnesses. You have the opportunity to help them raise funds to grant even more wishes by attending the Third Annual Boots & Blessings Gala presented by Lisa and Greg Drew on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at Gilley’s Dallas at 6:30 p.m.

Ally's Wish Kicks Off 3d Annual Boots & Blessings Gala

Photo c/o Bob Manzano


On Thursday, November 15th Ally’s Wish hosted a kick-off event at the new Reese Witherspoon inspired retail boutique, Draper James, to celebrate the upcoming 3d annual Boots & Blessings Gala to be held on Saturday, April 29 at Gilley’s Dallas. Tickets will start at $150 with tables & sponsorships from $1,500. Ally’s Wish has served over 40 terminally ill moms granting wishes so that their children and families will have lasting memories. CLICK HERE to see a gallery of photographs from this event.

It was fitting that the Draper James team opened their new digs in Highland Park Village to host a Southern soiree with bites by Wendy Krispin Caterer and Korbel California Champagne Non-Vintage Brut Rosé. And with 10% of sales going back to Ally’s Wish, what a perfect reason to do some early holiday shopping. Kidd Kraddick Morning Show radio personality, Kellie Rasberry served as the evening’s emcee. As guests filled the store, Kellie began sharing her connection to Ally’s Wish noting, “It is the moms that the wishes are granted for, but the children who have the lasting memories”. As a mother herself she felt connected to an organization that gives so graciously of their hearts and their time to serve the women who are nominated. Event Co-Chair, Kim Gilchrist welcomed guests and shared her excitement for the upcoming April 29, 2017 event that will take place at Gilley’s Dallas. A fellow friend of the organization, Kim’s goal as event chair is to help ensure that future moms wishes are granted through the support of gala donors. After thanking additional sponsors including Kick-off Sponsor J. Philips Mortgage, Kim recognized Kersten Rettig who will serve as Underwriting Chair and Laura Armstrong Downing who will serve as Advisory Chair.

Boots and Blessings Gala Raises Funds For Terminally Ill Young Mothers

Touch your mouse to the photo below to scroll through a gallery of photos from this event:
photos c/o Bob Manzano


On April 30, 2016, Ally’s Wish hosted its Second Annual Boots & Blessings Gala at Gilley’s Dallas. With the combined efforts of honorary chair Tricia Sims and gala chair Laura Downing, the country chic affair garnered funds to grant wishes for young mothers battling terminal illnesses in North Texas and across the country.  Among those in attendance were Cathy and Tommy Vieth, Tom Irwin, Kersten Rettig, Ese Azenabor, Melissa and Bob Rountree, Scott and Kunthear Douglas and special guest and current Ally’s Wish mom, Tanya Norris. A western-themed event always has guests walking in happy not to be in stilettos and ties! The Breckenridge Band was a huge hit with the crowd, singing country hits from George Strait to Blake Shelton, and teaching line dances to the more than 300 guests. With drinks in hand, courtesy of Candy’s Signature Cocktails and Community Beer Company, guests vied for more than 150 items at the silent auction tables. Emcee and Real Housewives of Dallas star LeeAnne Locken used her best negotiating skills to peel bidders away from the silent auction tables, in exchange for the dinner tables. Guests noshed on a grand Texas BBQ buffet, complete with apple cobbler and vanilla ice cream as Ally’s Wish founders Missy Phipps, Melissa Cary, Holly Reed and Heather Bryan shared the history and mission of their 2-year-old organization which has raised more than $150,000 and granted 17 wishes to date. Honorary chair Tricia Sims and gala chair Laura Downing thanked sponsors and spoke of their passion for the non-profit.

Dallas Non-Profits Sound Off On The Conversation About Charity On The Real Housewives Of Dallas

In last Monday's debut episode of the Real Housewives of Dallas, we saw two of the shows stars go head to head over what it means to be of value in the Dallas charity world. Brandi Redmond declared that if you can't write a big check, you just need to stay home and that spending money on food and drinks for Kickoff Parties and such is a waste of cash. Housewife LeeAnne Locken argued that the donation of her time and talents were just as valuable as money. "In Dallas, you can play in charity in a lot of different way, says Locken during an interview scene in episode one of RHOD. My way is not so much writing the big checks. I volunteer There's little things that need to be done. Who's going to provide the champagne? Who's going to provide the tables? Who's going to provide the venue? Well, guess what. Those are all the phone calls I make." Episode One ended in an angry standoff at the O.K. Corral over the topic. The Dallas charity circuit is already a nervous wreck about how this show is going to portray their efforts and I knew this episode would have tongues wagging. As a publicist by profession, I contend that any press is good press. It's all in how you spin it. So, I decided to spin it and use the spotlight given to the Dallas non-profit world as an opportunity for a productive conversation. Personally, I think that they are both right. Someone very wise once told me that there are three "T's" in the charity world: those who give of their Time, their Talents and their Treasures ($$$) and that all three are valuable in different ways. I reached out to all of the charities that you will see featured on #RHOD this season (and a few others) and asked them to weigh in on the debate. This post is rather lengthy, but I wanted to give every organization who took the time to respond a voice in this article. Read on...

Dallas Designer Shows Venetian Dream Collection To Benefit Terminally Ill Mothers

photos c/o Thomas Garza and Bob Manzano


(Press Release) On March 29, the Ally’s Wish Boots and Blessings Gala host committee and local designer Esé Azénabor welcomed more than 125 guests to the gorgeous home of honorary chair Tricia Sims for an evening of fashion and philanthropy. “A Venetian Dream,” was the collaboration of Ally’s Wish and local designer, Esé Azénabor that commenced the countdown to the Flower Mound-based organization’s second annual gala to be held at Gilley’s Dallas on April 30, 2016. After enjoying sweet treats by The Jenny Layne Bakery and sips courtesy of Sweet Beat Vodka and Community Beer, the glamorous Gina Ginsburg, Ken Weber, Chuck Steelman, Melissa Rountree, Dawn Mellon, and Allison Mitchell took their seats. All eyes turned to Mistress of Ceremonies, Real Housewives of Dallas star LeeAnne Locken and gala chair Laura Downing who thanked sponsors before introducing Ally’s Wish president, Missy Phipps. Inspired by the loss of their dear friend, Allyson Hendrickson, to ovarian cancer, Missy Phipps, Holly Reed, Melissa Cary and Heather Bryan founded Ally’s Wish to grant a last wish to young mothers battling terminal illnesses. In just two years, the women have raised more than $150,000 and granted wishes like helicopter rides over the Grand Canyon and adventures swimming with dolphins to sixteen mothers.

Dallas Designer Esé Azénabor Is Poised To Become Fashion's Next Big Thing

Tammy Franklin, Vivica A. Fox, Natasha Hastings, Pat Smith

Meet the woman is is poised to become fashion's next big thing: Esé Azénabor. Hailing from a family who considered fashion design more of a hobby than a career, Azénabor initially had to sweep her creative urges under the rug. The Azénabor name was grounded in the fields of medicine, law, and engineering, and Esé, in turn, attended the University of Windsor in Windsor in Ontario, Canada, and majored in accounting. A move to Dallas followed to pursue a Master’s Degree at Southern Methodist University. It was in Dallas that Esé began to follow her dreams and started designed handmade dresses for herself, friends and family. In 2012, without any financial assistance, this self-taught designer traded predictable college life for the wild world of fashion with the launch of her self-titled ready-to-wear line. At her sewing machine, she conceptualized her fascination for heavy hand beading, crocheted lace, exquisite fabrics and embroidery. Inspired by a combination of vintage, African, Egyptian, and contemporary European influences, she merged cultures to create her debut of her Haute-Couture and Ready-to-wear luxurious collection. Esé Azénabor has now debuted five collections including her Fall/Winter 2015 collection inspired by Henry VIII as well as her Spring/Summer 2016 Collection with the theme of The Garden of Eden during New York’s Fashion Week and proved herself to definitely be one to watch in seasons to come. Esé Azénabor’s designs are inspired by the arts and her culture. They are daring, luxurious, extravagant, and shows her artistic side through her beading and attention to detail.