By AMANDA KIMBLE
TheFlashToday.com
ERATH COUNTY (March 2, 2017) – Lilly G Ranch is rolling out the red carpet and inviting everyone to attend its Boots & Black Tie Dinner.
The annual anniversary event will be held Saturday, March 11 at the Erath County Livestock Association fairgrounds.
Rick Taylor, front man for Lilly G Ranch, said the 13th annual event will be a bittersweet. He said it will be the final black tie event and is being held in honor of his mother, Patsy Bullard Harris, who unexpectedly passed away on Christmas Eve.
“This was my mom’s event, she put it together every year,” Taylor said. “I personally don’t feel right continuing to host the Boots & Black Tie Dinner without her, but we’re having one last celebration in her honor.”
Patsy was one of the founding members of Lilly G Riding Club and the “founding mother” of the ranch, having integral roles with both. She was an equine enthusiast with friends and family that spanned the region.
Taylor said the anniversary dinner was initially organized as a celebratory event, but took a philanthropic role in 2016 when organizers of the Cowboy Capital MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Trail Ride got involved.
The trail ride, held in early May, raises money to support ongoing research to determine the cause and find a cure for MS, a debilitating and disabling disease.
“After last year’s event, Mom decided we would continue to make the dinner a fundraiser for MS,” Taylor said.
The Boots and Black Tie Dinner includes a barbecue meal; an appearance by Gail Cogburn, country/gospel recording artist, songwriter and speaker; and a dance featuring “Skinny” Don Keeling and Texas Swing Band. Jayme Salter will serve as emcee.
Taylor said admission into the event is free of charge, but donations for the MS Trail Ride will be accepted. He also said photos on the red carpet will be available for $10 to help raise funds and a live auction will offer an array of items up for bid for the cause.
“We hope everyone will join us and help us make this last dinner a great event for a good cause,” Taylor said.
Dinner will be served at 6 p.m., but the red carpet will roll out at 5 p.m. for photo ops.
Dinner reservations must be made no later than Sunday by calling or texting 254-459-0141 after 2 p.m. daily.
Individuals, businesses and organizations that would like to donate items to the live auction can also contact the number above or message Taylor on the Lilly G Ranch Facebook page.
The ECLA fairgrounds are located at 2389 FM 205 in Stephenville.
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