Offering a break from the recent rain and heat, Monica and Joe Eastin‘s home was the perfect spot on Thursday, June 13, for the kickoff of the Folds of Honor North Texas 4th Annual Gala. For the occasion, Folds of Honor Founder Maj. Dan Rooney told guests why the funds raised at the event were so necessary to help families of disabled and deceased members of the military.
In addition to revealing the details of the upcoming fundraiser, it was later learned that KXAS Anchor Meredith Land would be the evening’s emcee. Here’s a report from the field:
The skies were clear as a soft cool breeze filled the air at the Folds of Honor North Texas 4th Annual 2019 Gala kick-off where hosts Monica and Joe Eastin, along with Catherine and Mike Sweet were announced as honorary chairs.
Folds of Honor was founded in 2007 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization by Maj. Dan Rooney, a PGA Professional and F-16 fighter pilot in the Air Force Reserves who has served three tours of duty in Iraq. It was as he was returning home from his second tour of duty in Iraq on a domestic flight that the pilot announced they were carrying the remains of a fallen soldier, asking passengers to respectfully remain seated and wait until the casket was deboarded. He watched as the family of the deceased walked somberly alongside the flag-covered casket. Among them was the young son. It was through that experience of seeing this young boy walking alongside his father’s casket that Maj. Rooney’s life was changed. He knew he had to do something to pay tribute to American service members and their families and thus, Folds of Honor was born.
Folds of Honor provides educational scholarships to the families of military men and women who have fallen or been disabled while on active duty in the United States armed forces. Those educational scholarships also support private educational tuition and tutoring for children in grades K-12, as well as higher education tuition assistance for spouses and dependents.
In the folded flag, Maj. Rooney explained that we see the heavy price of freedom, yet it’s also a symbol of hope, representing the enduring ideals that make this country a beacon of democracy. It is the logo because it reflects the mission – to honor the sacrifice of America’s heroes while giving hope to the bearers of their legacy.
The organization has awarded nearly 20,000 educational scholarships in all 50 states and some U.S. territories, including approximately 4,000 in 2018 alone. In the 2018-2019 academic year, the North Texas chapter awarded 106 scholarships totaling $524,400.
Slated for Saturday, November 9, at the Hyatt Regency Dallas, the annual Folds of Honor North Texas gala brings together military families, veterans, scholarship recipients and members of the North Texas community in an event of celebration which includes dinner, an auction, live entertainment and fellowship.
Underwriting and sponsorships are available beginning at $3,000. Individual tickets are $250. A table for 10 can be reserved for $2,500.
For more information visit the website at www.foldsofhonorgala.org or contact Sarah Duncan, Regional Development Officer at [email protected] or Meredith Allen, Associate Regional Development Officer at [email protected]
* Photo credit: Bob Manzano ** Graphic provided by Folds of Honor North Texas