Thank you for Another Fantastic
BBQ & Auction Fundraiser!
It was another unforgettable event! In preparation for the auction, our auctioneer, Jake Addams, asked what the “secret sauce” was—the element that connects everyone involved. I explained that the best way to describe the event and the guests is through a sense of pure joy. Everyone present shares a love for CDRI, and the overall feeling is one of joy. Y’all didn’t let us down. You brought the joy! In our follow-up conversation ten days later, Jake mentioned that he was captivated by the joy that radiated from everyone. The energy was truly infectious.
We have many businesses and individuals to thank for making this year’s BBQ & Auction fundraiser the success it was. Thank you for the support we received from Cactus Liquors, Marfa, Texas; Glazer’s Distributors, Odessa, Texas; Maverick Bank, Fort Davis, Texas; and the Fort Davis Chamber of Commerce. And thank you to the wonderful donors who made up the Host Committee.
Thank you to Lisa and Mark Sanchez of Sanchez BBQ, including Mary Lou, Bonnie, and the rest of the family, for helping prepare and serve the meal. We continue to receive rave reviews about how great the dinner was! They truly hit it out of the park! Additionally, we owe a big thank you to Rick Ruiz and Donnie Bason for providing an outstanding selection of music.
The Silent Auction was run exceptionally well by volunteers Hoot and Linda Baez, and Annette Carter. Thank you to the generous donors who shared their crafts and artwork for this portion of the fundraiser. Organizing and conducting the Silent Auction requires significant effort, and we host it as an icebreaker and a fun way to engage with other attendees before the Live Auction.
Several people asked if we could reopen the Silent Auction, so in the spirit of keeping things fun, we announced at the end of the Live Auction that we would reopen it for 10 minutes. Unfortunately, one guest didn’t hear the announcement, which resulted in some disappointment. We recognize that leaving even one guest out is too many, and for that, we sincerely apologize.
The Live Auction, conducted by auctioneer Jake Addams of Proceed with Auction, was an exciting and high-energy event. We are incredibly grateful to our auction donors, who generously contributed a variety of experiences and items. These donations included thrilling adventures like rafting down the Rio Grande and a jeep tour in Big Bend, as well as a one-hour musical performance. Additionally, we received vacation stays and weekend getaways to fun destinations, along with beautiful paintings, exquisite jewelry, and very creative pieces. Our auction would not have been possible without these fabulous offerings.
The final segment of the Live Auction was the Education Paddle Raise. Funds raised support our free programs for students and adults. Each year, the Education Paddle Raise is a highly successful aspect of the auction, and this year was no exception. Thank you to everyone who participated.
To add some excitement to the Paddle Raise, we offered a teak garden bench as a prize for a lucky winner at the end of the auction. This opportunity was available to individuals who donated $100 to the Education Paddle Raise. The last person to place a $100 bid won the naming rights for a plaque on the bench for the year. Lisa Manion was the winning bidder. The plaque will feature her father’s name and will read, “Honoring Joe Manion, CDRI BBQ & Auction, 2026-2027.”
This event would not have been possible without the support from our staff, directors, and dedicated volunteers. Some of these volunteers spent a total of three days ensuring that tents were up, tables and chairs were in place, various stations at the event were manned, and the outdoor trash was disposed of (sorry, raccoons!). On Sunday, after the event, they also helped take down the tents, tables, and chairs, ensuring everything was neatly stacked and ready for next year. Thank you!
Lastly, we express our deepest gratitude to all of you for bringing the joy. Thank you for providing the “secret sauce.”
With much gratitude,
Lisa Gordon
