2019 Gala in Houston Was An Evening to Remember

As the unashamed leader in the battle for faith, family, and freedom in Texas, Texas Values celebrated their 7 year legacy with hundreds of supporters in Houston last week. We were honored to be joined by national radio show host, and best-selling author, Dennis Prager.

Texas Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian was our Master of Ceremonies for the evening, Hernan Castano gave our opening prayer, Texas Supreme Court Justice John Devine lead us in the U.S. pledge, with Michelle Slaughter leading the Texas Pledge. State Senator Angela Paxton lead the entire room in singing the national anthem, while Gov. Greg Abbott sent his best wishes via a video. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick addressed the group with an update on the legislative session and other issues.

Jonathan Saenz, President of Texas Values gave an update on our work for the past year, including numerous victories during the 86th Texas Legislative Session, as well as work Texas Values has done at the local level.

In recognition of those in the Texas Legislature who scored 90% or above on Texas Values Action’s 2019 Faith & Family Scorecard, our Policy Advisor Mary Elizabeth Castle presented Faith and Family Champion Awards to numerous members of the Legislature in attendance. These include Representatives Cole Hefner, Greg Bonnen, Bill Zelder, Valoree Swanson, Tom Oliverson, Jared Patterson, Mayes Middleton, Candy Noble and Phil Stephenson. Additionally Senators Angela Paxton, Brandon Creighton, Larry Taylor, Joan Huffman and Peter Flores were also on hand to receive their awards.

The 2019 Kelly Shackelford Award, given to an outstanding leader in the community for faith, family, and freedom, was presented to Pastor Jorge Tovar of Laredo. Pastor Tovar won this award because of his efforts to successfully stop a “sexual orientation and gender identity” ordinance that would have punished people of faith in Laredo. Additionally Pastor Tovar has lead a “Keep God in Texas” Conference to awaken and equip Pastors on public policy in multiple cities across Texas.

Dennis Prager spoke about the importance of Texas values, and how they are under attack from the Left in various ways. He encouraged those in attendance to continue to stand for faith, family and freedom because they are the best hope for society.

We are so grateful to everyone who joined us and made our 2019 Gala an evening to remember!

Lt Governor Dan Patrick gives an update on the State of the State: