Fort Worth, Texas (September 20, 2023) – Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker will serve as the Honorary Chair and Andy Taft, President, Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. will serve as emcee for Camp Fire First Texas’ 39th annual An Artists’ Christmas gala and art auction on November 3 at the River Ranch Stockyards.
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker
Mayor Mattie Parker shared about the impact this event provides for young people and their families. “For nearly 40 years, Camp Fire’s An Artists’ Christmas has banded our community together through the power of the arts and the outdoors to enable our young people to discover their spark, gain self-confidence, and learn life-changing life skills,” said Parker. “This can only be accomplished through the generosity of many in support of this signature fundraiser event. Camp Fire’s mission is to build a community where every child has equitable access to the quality learning opportunities they need to succeed and thrive in a rapidly changing world, and that is something we can all rally behind.”
Andy Taft has previously volunteered as emcee for An Artists’ Christmas for several years. “I support Camp Fire because they
Emcee Andy Taft
don’t just provide recreational activities; they promote leadership, character, and a sense of belonging. We need these character traits more than ever and it’s a privilege to serve an organization that empowers youth and early childhood educators to become their best selves.”
Aileen Milton, a Camp Fire First Texas volunteer and board member since 2020, is this year’s event chair. She is a REALTOR® with Burt Ladner Real Estate.
Event Chair Aileen Milton
“I am truly honored to serve as the event chair for Camp Fire’s An Artists’ Christmas,” shared Milton. “Working with a committee and organization that sparks youth development is such a joy and rewarding in many ways. As I see the smiles on our Camp Fire kids and hear past camp attendees share their memorable experiences, it warms my heart, and I know the mission has been accomplished. Through this event, we not only celebrate the incredible talents of our artists but also support the transformative work of Camp Fire in our community. I can’t wait to see everyone at our upcoming event at River Ranch. It is going to be an exciting night.”
The night’s entertainment will be provided by the Brad Thompson Band.
The stars of An Artists’ Christmas are the more than 75 pieces of original artwork donated to Camp Fire First Texas for this event. Over its long history, the local art community has generously supported this event by donating works so that the auction proceeds can support Camp Fire programs. Since 1984, An Artist’s Christmas has raised nearly $8 million to support youth in Camp Fire programs. The artwork will be auctioned online, allowing guests to bid from their phones at the event or other supporters to bid from home.
In addition, the event will also include a live auction with amazing items and experiences like trips to Costa Rica, Tuscany, and a Jack Daniels Whiskey tour. A Party Wagon Raffle will offer the chance to win a wagon chock-full of everything you need to have the best-stocked bar around!
An Artists’ Christmas is open to the public. For ticket information or sponsorship opportunities, 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.
We envision a community in which every child has equitable access to quality learning opportunities that cultivate the skills they need to succeed and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
