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    A warm salute

    Rodeo rolls out welcome mat for U.S. military, including an 88-year-old WWII veteran — thanks to volunteers

    Shelby Hodge
    shelby hodge
    Mar 7, 2014 | 10:42 am

    There is much about the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo that is heartwarming, but surely nothing beats the gratification that comes from serving on the Armed Forces Appreciation Committee. Each year during Armed Forces Appreciation Day, the 160 committee members host veterans and active duty servicemen, servicewomen and their families for a day of barbecue feasting, carnival activities and the rodeo performance.

    By the time the barbecue volunteers and the greeters packed it in late Wednesday afternoon, the committee had served close to 4,000 military and their families, many of them arriving by school bus transport.

    They came from Ft. Hood, Ft. Sam Houston, Ellington Field and neighboring communities. They represented those from the "greatest generation" of World War II veterans, Vietnam vets, other veterans and new recruits who would be part of the group swearing-in ceremonies later in the afternoon. Among them was Medal of Honor recipient Staff Sgt. Ty Carter, who shared his tale of heroism with all who asked. The Marine Corps Marching Band from San Diego flew in to entertain.

    Among those greeting the fresh arrivals was 88-year-old World War II veteran Ike Hargraves in full Navy seaman's uniform, medals gleaming.

    With assistance from appreciation day sponsor BHP Billiton, the volunteers raise the money to host the troops and their families and have enough left over to support five scholarships. Formed in 2010, the event has grown from originally 500 service people to Wednesday's mega field of visitors.

    The action takes place in The Hideout, which from noon to 5 p.m. on this day, becomes party headquarters for appreciation day ceremonies.

    In relation to the other committees, Larry Schmiel said, "With the other committees you're raising money for scholarships. This is different. It's like an immediate thing." He added that 60 percent of the men on the committee are veterans themselves.

    Among those greeting the fresh arrivals was 88-year-old World War II veteran Ike Hargraves in full Navy seaman's uniform, medals gleaming. Inside the Hideout tent where the barbecue was served and entertainment was on stage among the veterans were WWII vet Roy Hughes and wounded warriors Frank Ellis and Dave Bradshaw.

    Among committee members working on this day were Carrie Carr, Tod Fitzgerald, Renee Brown, Carol and Dr. Tom Sawyer, Lee Smith, Todd McCorquodale and Robby Clarkson as well as BHP Billiton volunteers including Arneta Sampson and Cristen Steele.

    Donations of $500 earn a spot on the memory boards for veterans' photos.

    News, Shelby, Memory wall, Rodeo Armed Services Day, March 2014
      
    Photo by Shelby Hodge
    Donations of $500 earn a spot on the memory boards for veterans' photos.
    unspecified
    news/society
    series/htx-rodeo-2014

    Hearts of Gold

    Celebrity hunting trip powers Houston kids charity’s record-breaking night

    Joel Luks
    Apr 30, 2025 | 6:00 pm
    Sky High for Kids Better in Boots 2025
    Photo by Quy Tran
    Brittany Franklin, Iris Shaftel, Payton Angelle, Laura Angelle, and Danny Shaftel.

    Sky High for Kids soared to new heights at its annual Sporting Clay Tournament and Better in Boots Gala, raising a record-breaking $1.6 million over two days of festivities dedicated to children battling cancer and other life-threatening conditions.

    The action kicked off on March 27 at the Greater Houston Sports Club, where participants took aim at sporting clays in a lively tournament. Held in honor of the late Gary Price, whose passion helped launch Sky High's first Houston clay shoot in 2008, the day culminated in an awards ceremony featuring live music and Texas-worthy eats.

    On March 28, the boots got shinier and the cause even closer to the heart as more than 500 guests donned Texan Cocktail attire and gathered at The Revaire for the Better in Boots Gala. Under twinkling lights and rustic-chic decor, the evening unfolded with a silent auction showcasing 49 enticing packages, followed by a seated dinner curated by A Fare Extraordinaire. A live auction offer 12 premium packages, including a hunting trip with Conroe-based country music star Parker McCollum that generated $300,000. Presenting sponsor JD Fields, honored as the Giavanna Sponsor, led the charge for the evening named in tribute to young cancer warriors.

    Co-chairs Erica Parker and Lindsey Boatman were celebrated with a touching painting gifted by young fighter Payton. Emcee Taylor Sass kept emotions higher as he recognized guests of honor Iris and Danny Shaftel, with an address from Danny's father, Keith, "the original diamond man." The emotional centerpiece came when Kaelan Brennan, father of cancer warrior Hadley, shared a raw, personal story of their pediatric cancer journey, followed by a stirring Q&A between Sass and young fighter Demy.

    The event also made history with the largest gathering of cancer warriors yet, as 10 families joined the celebration, putting faces and stories to the mission that fuels Sky High for Kids.

    Among those in the crowd were Jay Fields, Leonard and Abbie Botello, Lolo Lester, Iris and Danny Shaftel, Keith Shaftel, Texas Mattress Makers owner Youval Meicler, and former Houston Texans running back David Johnson.

    Sky High for Kids Better in Boots 2025
      

    Photo by Quy Tran

    Brittany Franklin, Iris Shaftel, Payton Angelle, Laura Angelle, and Danny Shaftel.

    fundraiserssky high for kids
    news/society
    series/htx-rodeo-2014

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