Gala raises funds for MS

By Martha Tiller

The Yellow Rose Gala Foundation, a local nonprofit committed to funding research to end multiple sclerosis (MS), hosts “Ropin’ in the Cure” Saturday, March 29, at the iconic Longhorn Ballroom. Andrea Reich and Nita Patel are co-chairs for this year’s Yellow Rose Gala, with The Scott Burford Family serving as the event’s honorary chairs. The late Jane Lombardi will be honored with a special award. Event headliner is country music artist Wynn Williams.

The former rodeo cowboy combines the honky-tonk attitude of Brooks & Dunn and the crooning style of George Strait, with the excitement of Garth Brooks known for hits “Tornado” and “Man What a Woman Does to Me.”
Coffey Anderson, star of Netflix’s “Country Ever After,” also takes the stage to perform his soulful country music. The dynamic singer-songwriter is known for songs like “Mr. Red White and Blue” and “Better Today.”

This year, the organization will recognize Louis B. Harrell Jr. with the Dee Wynne Courage Award. After Hurricane Katrina, Harrell relocated to North Texas where

he launched Men of Nehemiah, a residential addiction recovery program for men.

Harrell, who has been battling MS, continues to dedicate himself to helping others who

are struggling with addiction and health issues.

New this year is a special group of community supporters called Rosebuds. They are Lauren Fisher, Adam Lewis, Danielle Dean, Shari Sandberg, Yael Gilliland, Jennifer Hartman, Beth Yablon and Miriam Fender.

Proceeds from the Yellow Rose Gala Foundation benefit the National MS Society, which funds the International Progressive MS Allianceand UT Southwestern’s Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute. The Foundation’s mission is to improve the lives of those affected by MS through funding research aimed at stopping the disease, restoring lost function and ultimately finding a cure. For more information about sponsorships and tickets, visit TheYellowRose.org.