The dust has settled on the 8th Annual Boots and Badges Ball, and what a night it was! On September 20th, the West Texas community gathered at the beautiful Madewell Estates in Wilson, TX, with one clear mission: to support the brave men and women who put their lives on the line for us every day.
From the crowd to the electric performance by Jon Wolfe, this year’s event was the organization’s biggest success to date. We recently caught up with board member Shawna Gray to get her insights on the evening.
The Mission: Supporting Local Heroes
The heartbeat of the Boots and Badges Ball is its mission. The organization is dedicated to assisting first responders and their families who have experienced catastrophic, life-changing events.
This year, the team was honored to present checks directly to departments with critical needs. Funds raised during the evening went toward vital essentials, including:
- New bunker gear
- A brush truck for a volunteer fire department
- A mechanical CPR device for an EMS station
The Future Heroes
Making this event possible requires a village. Beyond the board members, a dedicated group of volunteers ensures the night runs smoothly. Special recognition goes to the EMS and Fire students currently in training who came out to volunteer. The continued growth of the ball is made possible thanks to the volunteers who dedicate their time to support the community.
West Texas Elegance
In true West Texas fashion, attendees traded black ties for boots and denim. Shawna described the atmosphere as a unique blend, taking the traditional “Gala” vibe and enhancing it with an authentic country atmosphere that felt right at home in the largest venue in the Lubbock area.
The evening kicked off at 7:00 PM with a moving presentation of colors by the Honor Guard and a stirring rendition of the National Anthem.
The Entertainment: Jon Wolfe & The Clay Gibson Band
The goal for the 2025 ball was to bridge the gap between 90s country lovers and current country fans. In the past, the event has often catered to a specific age group, but this year, given the wide variety of attendees, the priority was to ensure everyone enjoyed the night.
The Opener: The Clay Gibson Band
Selected specifically by the headliner’s team, The Clay Gibson Band set the perfect tone for the night. This tight-knit group of musicians from West Texas was brought together through the renowned South Plains College music program. Known for their rich mix of classic country, rock, and blues, they delivered a lively, dance-ready performance that warmed up the crowd and earned compliments throughout the evening.
The Headliner: Jon Wolfe
Jon Wolfe delivered an amazing performance. A staple of the Texas and Red Dirt scene, Wolfe is known for his lively stage presence and a smooth, classic-leaning sound that stays true to tradition while feeling fresh. His high-energy performance kept the dance floor packed, more than the organizers had ever seen at previous balls! Jon was all over the stage, engaging with the crowd and delivering a flawless set.
Behind-the-Scenes Highlight: Before taking the stage, Jon Wolfe joined top-tier sponsors for a VIP Meet-and-Greet in the venue’s underground cellar. He took photos, signed autographs, and spent genuine time with the organization’s biggest supporters.
Record-Breaking Success
This year marked the event’s largest silent auction ever. The generosity of the attendees was unmatched, many purchased items and immediately donated them back to be auctioned off live by the talented MC, Landon King. This incredible gesture allowed Boots and Badges to raise the most money they have ever raised in a single event.
Lessons Learned & Logistics
With massive growth comes new challenges. To ensure safety, the organizers utilized a shuttle service this year. While it was a great initiative, the team faced a logistical hurdle when the shuttles all loaded up at the same time. This led to a chaotic drop-off, bringing nearly 200 guests to the registration door simultaneously!
Despite the rush, Shawna reported that the guests were gracious and patient. The team has already noted this for next year to create a staggered arrival system for an even smoother experience.
Congratulations to Boots and Badges!
Congratulations to Shawna Gray and the entire Boots and Badges team on a record-breaking year. We can’t wait to see what you do in 2026!
Entertainment Booked by TSE Entertainment
The entertainment for the 8th Annual Boots and Badges Ball was proudly booked through TSE Entertainment, partnering with the Boots and Badges team to deliver a lineup that perfectly fit the night’s mission and energy. From galas to festivals and fundraisers, TSE Entertainment helps create unforgettable live music experiences.
