More than 400 people gathered at the Ortiz International Center on Saturday, September 26, for Agape Ranch’s 9th Annual Legacy Gala: Hope Rising, presented by Republic Services. The annual event benefits foster and vulnerable children, youth, and families throughout the Coastal Bend.

This year’s theme, “Hope Rising,” centered on a simple but powerful invitation: Bring Hope to children and families in foster care.

Together, guests helped raise a preliminary $147,000 to support Agape Ranch’s programs in foster care, adoption, prevention, and services for young adults aging out of foster care.

The evening began with a social hour and raffle before guests gathered for dinner and a program featuring music from Kris Redus and Matt York. Juan Carlos Reyes welcomed guests, Pastor Don Leavell opened the evening in prayer, and Agape Ranch Founder and Executive Director Susan Klaus shared an update on the organization’s work and impact. Pastor Tarik Whitmore delivered a powerful keynote message focused on hope, followed by closing remarks from Bill Wilson III.

The success of the evening was made possible by generous sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor Republic Services; Legacy Sponsors Columbia Electric Supply and Adamson & Company, LLC; Social Hour Sponsor Hollon Safe Company; Valet Sponsor Harbor Parking Inc.; Agape Sponsors Oxbow Advisors and McCoy’s Building Supply; and Hope Sponsors The Bend Magazine, State Farm Bobby Hyatt, South Texas Surgical Assisting, Cinnamon Shore, Corpus Christi Christian Fellowship, and New Life Church. More than 20 additional table sponsors also contributed to the evening. 

But the impact of the Legacy Gala extends far beyond one night. The generosity of sponsors, guests, donors, and volunteers helps Agape Ranch continue bringing hope to the children, families, and young adults it serves throughout the Coastal Bend.

Agape Ranch is grateful to everyone who helped make Legacy Gala: Hope Rising such a meaningful evening and who continues to invest in the lives of vulnerable children, youth, and families.

To learn more about Agape Ranch and how you can help bring hope to children, youth, and families in the Coastal Bend, visit www.agaperanch.org or call the Agape Ranch office at 361-742-6330.

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Thank you to the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce for helping share the story of Agape Ranch and the impact our community can make when we come together to bring hope.

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