This year's fundraiser puts the spotlight on arts and cultural heritage, with an appropriately Texas twist. The guest of honor will be preeminent chronicler of modern Texas and the American West Larry McMurtry. The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Lonesome Dove and Terms of Endearment will appear onstage with his screenwriting partner Diana Ossana (the two shared the Academy Award for their Brokeback Mountain screenplay).

William Broyles will moderate the conversation. The founding editor of Texas Monthly and creator of the television series China Beach, Broyles' many screenwriting credits include Apollo 13 and Cast Away. He first encountered McMurtry as an undergraduate at Rice University, when he enrolled in the novelist's writing class.

The announcement of the organizations Impact Award winner that honors exceptional civic leadership will also be part of the dinner.