2018 Jeans & Bling Event Raises Most Money Ever for Hospice of Texarkana

The 9th Annual Jeans & Bling” signature fundraiser for Hospice of Texarkana was held October 13, at the Texarkana, Texas Convention Center. 

According to a press release, the non-profit agency made the largest net profit that the annual event has ever garnered:  $73,480, which was $12,000 more than last year.  All proceeds from the event are designated to pay down the note of the Hospice Care Center and this profit will cover three months of payments.  The party featured a concert by the Texas Unlimited Band.

With at least 350 attendees, the high energy event included the third “Sing at the Bling Lip Sync Battle” which is always a crowd pleaser. It began with an electric performance by the 2017 Champions, Texarkana College Cosmetology, who performed Tina Turner’s famous rendition of “Rollin’ on the River”.

That was followed by performances from two local attorneys, Jennifer Orgeron and Ben King, and Radiation Oncologist Dr. Omar Ishaq. All of the groups showed-off their dance moves and the audience chose the winner by voting with money.

The 2018 Winning Group of eight ladies and one male were led by Jennifer Orgeron. They performed a scene from the famous movie “The Greatest Showman” in full costume, including the bearded lady, ballet leaps, baton twirling and walking on stilts.  The dance was choreographed by Melinda Henry and can be seen on the “Jeans & Bling” Facebook page.  Mrs. Orgeron and friends have Bragging Rights for a year.

“We appreciate Mario Garcia for volunteering his time and professional skills to emcee the event,” said Stefanie Brazile, the event coordinator with Hospice of Texarkana.  “Mario has also donated time to attend our Good Grief Days for children and is a kind supporter of the agency.  He is so good at emceeing the event and we can’t say enough good things about him!”

Thank you Stefanie for those kind words. Hospice is a very special organization when it comes to families during a difficult time in their lives. It's never easy to lose someone you love, but the Hospice care staff and facility helps to ease that burden and make it somewhat easier. It was honor to be your emcee for the evening.

The night also featured a raffle of two trips, an elaborate silent auction and door prizes.

Next year’s Jeans & Bling event is set for October 12, 2019, so save the date.

Special thanks to Kimberly Busby, Debra Morse and Kimberly Davis for providing the photographs.