It proved to be an unforgettable evening as the 2024 Children’s Cancer Fund’s “A Knight to Remember” Gala, presented by Emberli Pridham’s A Real Life Fairy Tale, raised record-setting funds on Friday, April 19, at the Hilton Anatole. Honorary Chairs Troy Aikman and Dak Prescott joined Gala Chair Emberli Pridham, cancer patients, survivors, their families and celebrities for an awe-inspiring evening including a fashion show, live auction, dinner and dancing. Attendees and generous donors of the sold-out event raised an extraordinary $2.7 million to support pediatric cancer research and treatment programs at Children’s HealthSM and UT Southwestern. The unprecedented fundraising achievement sets a new standard for a Children’s Cancer Fund Gala.
A VIP reception and silent auction set the tone for the evening at the 2024 Children’s Cancer Fund “A Knight to Remember” Gala. Guests enjoyed dinner and an inspirational fashion show, featuring 23 pediatric cancer patients modeling their bravery and attire provided by Dillard’s. Honorary chairs Troy Aikman and Dak Prescott reunited at the event, with Aikman celebrating his 25-year dedication to Children’s Cancer Fund and Prescott serving his second as an honorary chair. Former Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo joined fashion icons Nicky and Kathy Hilton, alice + olivia founder and CEO Stacey Bendet, Dallas Chief of Police Eddie Garcia and other celebrities as runway escorts for the pediatric cancer patients, ages 6-17.
“It’s always a special night and remains the best event I participate in every year, because of the kids,” said Aikman. “These kids are the real heroes because of their courage and fight. I hope a cure will soon be found, but until then, I will come back every year.”
Aikman and Prescott continue the “Quarterbacks for a Cure” legacy established by Cowboys Legend Roger Staubach in representing Children’s Cancer Fund. Staubach served as a Children’s Cancer Fund Gala chair from the fundraiser’s inception until passing the torch to Prescott in 2022.
“When I see these kids, I see courage, strength and hope,” said Prescott. “This year, as a new father, the event holds even greater significance. We continue the quest to end pediatric cancer by honoring and celebrating the fortitude and strength of these young warriors and their families.”
The children who walked the runway on gala night included: 6-year-old Paisley Bennett of Denton; 7-year-old Cami Clements of Brownsboro; 17-year-old Analise Cuington of Irving; 17-year-old Maycee Dickson of Sherman; 13-year-old Miller Dietsche of Plano; 14-year-old Libby Evans of Dallas; 10-year-old Shameel Farishta of The Colony; 17-year-old Luis Garza of Fate; 8-year-old Kewan Gibson of Dallas; 7-year-old Annaliah Gonzalez of McKinney; 11-year-old Briella Hernandez of Rockwall; 10-year-old Trevor Hurton of Gladewater; 16-year-old Sergio Jaramillo of Dallas; 6-year-old Amairy Leon Velazquez of McKinney; 6-year-old Dak Lopez of Grand Prairie; 10-year-old Daniella Luevano of Rowlett; 13-year-old Stella Matthews of Plano; 8-year-old Cannon McGough of Dallas; 11-year-old Mackenzie Mickelson of Plano; 10-year-old Eleazar Moreno of Dallas, 14-year-old Preston Pipkins of Dallas; 9-year-old Dustin Samuel Rodriguez of Dallas; and 10-year-old Bennett Sieck of Frisco.
“The energy and enthusiasm of these remarkable children and their families fuel the efforts and impact of the Gala,” said Children’s Cancer Fund Executive Director Jennifer Arthur. “The resilience of these brave survivors serves as the inspiration in our work throughout the year. On this night, they take center stage, bringing light and hope to their families, the audience, and one another.”
“Supporting, honoring and celebrating these courageous children from North Texas defines the mission of the ‘A Knight to Remember’ Gala,” said Emberli Pridham, 2024 Gala Chair. “As the battle against childhood cancer continues, I hope every child, parent and family member feels encouragement in knowing that they do not have to face these challenges alone.”
The gala, which is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser for pediatric cancer, featured NBC 5 anchor Meredith Land as mistress of ceremonies.
Sponsors included: A Real Life Fairy Tale, TeamIzzy Foundation, Nancy C. and Richard R. Rogers, Jerry Standlee Memorial Fund, Michael Kors, Texas de Brazil, Cindy and Howard Rachofsky, Children’s HealthSM, Avondale, Marianne and Roger Staubach, Lindy and Brad Berkley Family Foundation, Holly and Barry Pennett, Paula and Bay Miltenberger, Faith, Fight, Finish Foundation by Dak Prescott, Angelique and Ray Waddell, David R. Sellers Foundation, McKesson, Dave Chenoweth and Patti Barron-Chenoweth, Kristy and Mark Kudysek, TXU Energy, The Pope Family, Poppy McGough, Barrel and Jacob Jones, CB Choi Family Foundation, Headington, Rhyann and Harry Crosby, Sewell Automotive, Kay and Jim Wade, Troy Aikman, Jaqueline and Josh Pack, Amanda and Charlie Shufeldt, Lynn and Jim Stroud, KPMG LLP, Lisa and Clay Cooley, Ryan Foundation, Cooper Clinic, Candice and Tony Romo, Strong Travel, PWC, Fred Shapiro and Karen Bradshaw, Greenberg Traurig LLP, Southwest Outdoor, First Citizens Bank, Texas Center for Proton Therapy, UT Southwestern, Southwestern Medical Foundation, Cartier, Gucci, Jeneca Willis, and Jake Masso.
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