Boots & Bearcats Aledo Education Foundation

The Aledo Education Foundation chose a new location for this year’s Boots and Bearcats fundraiser, and Stockyard Station on East Exchange Street in Fort Worth came alive Friday, April 5, for the 10th annual gala.

The jamboree began with silent auctions and raffles partnered with country music in a grand ballroom atmosphere. A banquet, live auction and more music by Houston based Dry Water Band finished the evening’s festivities.

Major live auction items included luxury vacations in Belize and Tuscany, and a hunting expedition in South Africa. 

However, for the price of a golden ticket, guests were entered into a raffle to choose any one of the grand auction items.

Committee chair Claire Holleck said the attendance was about as expected, meeting the event's maximum of 600 guests. 

The group’s goal is to develop strong foundational literacy skills in Aledo ISD primary grades. Their current goal is to provide kindergarten through second-grade classes with decodable text books and guidance to practice phonics skills and improve reading.

Visit aledoef.org for more information about the Aledo Education Foundation.

Photos by Christopher Amos/The Community News

Brooke Howerton, Kendall Smith Sadler and Brittany Hill pose for a souvenir selfie.

Preston and Erin Stone pose with Teddy the Texas Longhorn, a massive steer herded into the entry to greet guests. The couple live in Annetta North …

Ray and Diana Cortinas look at silent auction items.

Aledo Education Foundation representatives greeting guests include chairs Claire Hollekand Ali Huxel and executive director Valerie Kerr..

Jerrod Kerr, Brooks Stevens and Ryan Pipkin visit before the banquet.

Amber and Jonathan Williams buy a golden ticket with the hopes of winning one of three grand auction items. Jonathan is the district manager of …