Nearly 900 guests enjoy 13th annual gala raising nearly $258,000; Denton County local Carrell Ann Simmons honored with Humanitarian Award; Mirror Ball Trophy Champions crowned.
Captions (L-R) Carrell Ann Simmons accepts Humanitarian Award; Dancing with Our Stars volunteer dancers celebrate at end of the evening; 2024 Mirror Ball Champs Cheryl Mclvor and Ryan Garcia.
Nearly 900 friends and supporters of United Way of Denton County filled the grand ballroom at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Denton Convention Center for the 13th annual UNITED Tribute Gala on Saturday, January 25. The 13th annual UNITED Tribute gala raised nearly $258,000 and celebrated the efforts of local companies, organizations, and individuals to improve lives with United Way of Denton County.
The celebration recognized several companies, municipalities, and individuals for their dedication to mobilizing community resources to action so all can thrive. The “Deep in the Heart of Texas” themed event set the energy-filled mood as awards were given amidst an electric “Dancing with Our Stars” competition by a cast of 20 community volunteer dancers.
The most prestigious award of the night was given to Texas native and long-time community volunteer Carrell Ann Simmons who was honored as the 2024 Dr. Bettye Myers Humanitarian Awardee for her selfless, behind-the-scenes commitment to build a stronger Denton County.
"I am very honored to have this Bettye Meyers award,” a soft-spoken Simmons said. "I first got involved in United Way through the grants committee, where I learned about all the agencies and what they did. The best way I could help all these people was to get involved with United Way, and I encourage you to get involved – there is no better feeling than helping other people.”
Other awardees of the night included:
- Pros PM – Lead UNITED Award (highest percentage of leadership givers)
- First United Bank – Give UNITED Award (highest percentage of employees who give)
- CTDI – Rise UNITED Award | Large Organization (successful campaign and increased giving)
- City of Denton – Rise UNITED Award | Midsize Organization (successful campaign and increased giving)
- City of Carrollton – Rise UNITED Award | Small Organization (successful campaign and increased giving)
- American National Bank & Trust– Trailblazer Award (excelled in their inaugural campaign)
- DATCU – Tori Howard & Morgan McDowell – Ambassadors of the Year Award (employee/s with highest number of Campaign best practices implemented)
Peterbilt Motors Company Asst. General Manager Leon Handt presented United Way of Denton County board chair Mike Thomson a ceremonial check for $641,143 representing Peterbilt & Paccar’s largest one-year contribution to United Way of Denton County, to date.
“We have a longstanding partnership with United Way, and it’s something that all of our employees can get behind,” said Leon Handt, Assistant General Manager of Peterbilt. “It was a record year for us this year. In total, we have given $9.9 million since we have become part of the community, and we are very proud of that."
The UNITED Tribute pre-show kicked off with “Live from the Blue Carpet” hosted by Lois Kim and jAn Langelius. The pre-show blue carpet set the tone for the event with interviews as awardees, sponsors and guests arrived. The full event was streamed and viewed at local watch parties across the county where others gathered remotely to donate and support their favorite dancers.
The featured entertainment of the evening was the crowd-favorite “Dancing with Our Stars” showcasing ten couples from across Denton County who volunteered countless hours since October to learn a group and solo dance under the direction of Gladys Keeton, Professor Emeritus of Dance at Texas Woman’s University. Earning the Judges’ Choice Award for technical scores were Evan and Kirsten Pasha (Lantana) representing CASA of Denton County. Votes from the audience – both at watch parties and in the ballroom – crowned Ryan Garcia (Lantana) of Margaritaville Enterprises and Cheryl Mclvor (Lewisville) of Children’s Health as Dancing Champions and winners of the coveted Mirror Ball Trophies.
The 13th annual UNITED Tribute generated $257,869 for United Way of Denton County thanks to the dedication of event Co-Chairs Tracey Long of Worthington Bank and Dr. Lacey Rainey of Denton ISD, and the Tribute Committee.
Reflecting on the event, Henderson commented, “Tonight’s success directly impacts our ability to fund vital programs in our county and collaborate with community partners. These resources allow us to address challenges like homelessness, housing instability, mental health services, and workforce development. With increasing demands for funds, and as we step into 2025, we will continue to work hard to meet the needs of all people in Denton County.”