CASA of Galveston County

Saddle Up and Shine Bright for Children Experiencing Foster Care That Need a Voice!

Hello Valued Community!

CASA of Galveston County is so excited to bring you BOOTS and BLING for the BRAVE HEART this summer on July 25, 2026 at the Galveston Island Convention Center! This evening will be filled with storytelling, music, hearts, and an opportunity for you to invest in the lives of children in our community who have experienced abuse and neglect!

Jimmy Wayne is our featured entertainment. His story will bring to light the importance of the SINGLE VOICE of a Court Appointed Special Advocate and why that one person can make the ultimate difference in the trajectory of child's future.

Jimmy was a child abandoned, alone, scared, and felt lost until one person entered his life! That one person believed in him just like a CASA Volunteer believes in the children they serve. Jimmy has made it his purpose to shed light through his many acts of service about the plight of children in the foster care system who do not have this special voice to serve their best interest.

Come join us for some Boots Scoot'in FUN!

We, Community, are in this together. Children are our future and it is imperative that we ensure they have every possible opportunity to reach their full potential. Thank you for joining me and our board, staff, and volunteers in participating in this very critical and life altering mission. We need YOU!

With warm regards and profound gratitude,

Connie Ricketts, CEO CASA of Galveston County

Join Us at our Signature Fundraising

Event of the Year!

Event Details:

What: Boots and Bling for Brave Hearts Dinner Fundraiser

When: Saturday, July 25, 2026 | 6:00pm

Where: Galveston Island Convention Center at the San Luis Resort, Galveston, Texas

Information: www.casagalveston.org |marketing@casagalveston.org

A MESSAGE FROM JIMMY WAYNE

Jimmy Wayne is a former foster kid turned award-winning country music artist whose songs and story highlight his mission to raise awareness for children in foster care. Jimmy’s hits include “Stay Gone,” “Paper Angels,” which earned the Salvation Army’s William Booth Award, “I Love You This Much” and “Do You Believe Me Now,” which earned BMI’s prestigious Million-Air Award for receiving one million radio spins in America. 



In 2009, Jimmy toured with Brad Paisley and recorded “Sara Smile” with rock ‘n roll Hall of Fame duo Daryl Hall and John Oates.

In 2010, Jimmy walked halfway across America (from Nashville to Phoenix) to raise awareness for kids aging out of the foster-care system. In 2012, Jimmy helped get legislative bills passed extending the age of foster care to 21 in California, Tennessee and North Carolina

In 2014 he released Walk to Beautiful: The Power of Love and a Homeless Kid Who Found the Way, a three-time New York Times bestseller.

Jimmy’s third book — Ruby the Foster Dog — released November 1, 2017 (Broadstreet Publishing).

In 2016 he received the prestigious Points of Light award from President George H.W. Bush (41), and in 2017 he received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from William Woods University and in 2018 he received an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Cal State University San Marcos. 

In 2019 he was honored by the National Council For Adoption with the Warren and Mary Alice Babineaux Award in recognition of his continued commitment to creating positive change in the lives of children in foster care who need permanent families.

Jimmy has performed on the Grand Ole Opry show 224 times. He lives in Nashville and continues to work tirelessly on behalf of at-risk foster youth by performing, writing books, and keynote speaking.

To find out more about Jimmy and his awareness campaign for foster children, Project Meet Me Halfway, please visit: www.projectmmh.org

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE!

MORE DETAILS!

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Galveston County invites the community to save the date for "Boots and Bling for Brave Hearts," the organization's premier fundraising gala on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Galveston Convention Center at The San Luis Resort in Galveston at 6:00 pm.

The evening will celebrate the brave hearts - CASA volunteers, foster families, community supporters, and the resilient children they serve - who make Galveston County a place where every child has a champion.

"This is our signature event of the year, and we're creating an unforgettable Texas evening that honors the courage it takes to show up for vulnerable children," said Connie Ricketts, Executive Director of CASA of Galveston County. "We're asking our community to hold this date and join us in celebrating the people who refuse to let any child face the foster care system alone."

The "Boots and Bling" theme invites guests to embrace Texas elegance with Western flair - think sophisticated style with bold accessories that match the bold mission of CASA advocacy.

Guests will enjoy a seated dinner, live and silent auctions, surprise entertainment, and the opportunity to directly impact the lives of Galveston County children in foster care. All proceeds support CASA volunteer recruitment, training, and ongoing support to ensure every child has a consistent advocate throughout their time in the court system.

Currently, over 130 children in Galveston County are navigating the foster care system. CASA volunteers are court-appointed community members who investigate cases, monitor placements, and provide judges with independent recommendations that directly shape outcomes for these children.

"These volunteers are the definition of brave heart," said Erin Callahan, CASA Board President. "They walk into difficult situations, ask hard questions, and stay committed to children who desperately need someone who won't give up on them. This gala celebrates that courage and funds the work that changes lives."

Please Join Us!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

TRAILBLAZER SPONSORS

WRANGLER SPONSORS

HORSESHOE SPONSORS



TUMBLEWEED SPONSORS

CASA of Galveston County is dedicated to providing quality advocacy for every child in our community who needs it.

Every Child Has a Chance - It's YOU!

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