SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2026 7-10 PM
HILTON GARDEN INN
DENISON, TEXAS
WELCOME!
7:00 pm
7:45 pm
Master of Ceremonies: Jason Taylor
Welcome Message
Bob and Blake Utter – Utter Family of Dealerships Video
Buffet Opens
Live Auction Begins Auctioneer: Wes Pool
Heads or Tails
Live Auction
8:15 pm
Celebrating 60 Years!
Past, Present Future: A Message from Our Presidents
Adrianne Brandy Johnson, Board President
Michelle Castle, Past President
Alli DesHotels, President-Elect
60 Years of Help, Hope, & Healing Video
Dedicated Give: Wes Pool
Thank you to our Dedicated Give Lead Donors
Red River Title, Rena & Brad Douglass, & TMC Volunteers
9:00 pm10:00 pm
9:30 pm
9:45 pm
DJ & Dancing
With Jordan Dunlap, DJ Dun-Nee D Entertainment Services
Buffet Closes at 9:00pm
Last Chance
Purchase Mystery Boxes & Winner’s Choice Raffle Tickets
Winner’s Choice Trip Raffle Drawing
Jason Taylor
REMINDER: Online Silent Auction Closes at 11pm!
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT CHAIRS!
SPONSORSHIP CHAIR: Stacey Olmstead
AUCTION REVENUE PROCUREMENT CO-CHAIRS:
Alli DesHotels, Megan Nobles, Melissa Sandoval, & April Vaughn
DECORATIONG CO-CHAIRS:
Tenneil Dutton, Heather Keizer, Megan Nobles, & Susan Simmons
A NOTE FROM, Adrianne Brandy Johnson,
Board President
Welcome to the 2026 Starfish Benefit!
I’m so grateful we’re gathering again for the Starfish Benefit, especially in a year as meaningful as this one. This year, we celebrate 60 years of Child & Family Guidance Center of Texoma serving children, families, and individuals in our community with compassion, dignity, and hope. Sixty years of showing up for people in their hardest moments is a legacy worth honoring and a mission worth sustaining.
My heart was drawn to this organization for a very personal reason. In 2022, Susan Simmons asked me to join the CFGC Board during a season when I was facing my own mental health challenges. After major medical events, personal loss, and years of carrying things I had buried deeply, I found myself struggling in ways I could no longer ignore. I know firsthand how important access to help is, and I know how life-changing therapy can be.
That is what makes CFGC so special to me. This organization meets people where they are and reminds them, they do not have to struggle alone. It gives children and families a safe place to process pain, begin healing, and find hope again. It also helps tear down the stigma around mental health care. Seeking help is not weakness. It is part of healing. And representation matters. People need to know it is okay to struggle, okay to ask for help, and okay to heal.
Throughout the evening, we will share stories that reflect the real impact of this work. Stories of hardship, resilience, healing, and hope. They remind us that what happens at CFGC is personal, practical, and life changing.
While a large portion of CFGC’s funding comes from grants, the Starfish Benefit provides vital support that helps continue this mission. Every dollar raised helps make care possible for children and families who might otherwise go without it. Thank you for showing up tonight and for helping to carry this work forward for the children and families who are counting on us.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Adrianne Brandy Johnson Board President Child & Family Guidance Center
This year, Child & Family Guidance Center of Texoma is celebrating 60 Years of Help, Hope & Healing. From our small beginnings through every step forward, we have remained committed to strengthening children and families.
Join us in September for an Open House and learn about our history, celebrate our impact, and hear about the vision guiding our future.
For updates and details, please visit www.cfgcenter.org
THE STARFISH STORY
One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.
Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?” The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up, and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”
“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”
After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said… “I made a difference for that one.”
Together ... We Are The Starfish Story!
OFF TO THE RACES
starfish.muradbid.com
JOIN IN THE FUN-RAISING
Heads or Tails
60th Anniversary Mystery Boxes: Sponsored by Mitchell & Denise Harris
Winner’s Choice Raffle: Sponsored by First United Bank
Photo Booth
360 Booth
BIDDING & GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
MAKING WAVES OF CHANGE
Your support helps children and families access the care, compassion, and hope they deserve. Every gift removes barriers to mental health services so no one faces challenges alone.
Because of you, healing begins and hope grows in our community.
THE WHY!
LOREN & LILLIAN
Therapist & Client, Age 9
Lillian was just 4 years old when her world began to change. In 2021, during her parents’ divorce and a period of separation from her father, she came to CFGC carrying anger, anxiety, and recurring nightmares. Her emotions often felt overwhelming and came out in ways she didn’t fully understand. But over the course of a year in counseling, Lillian began to find her footing. She learned how to identify her feelings, regulate her emotions, and communicate more clearly. Slowly, she began to adjust and feel more in control of her world. A few years later, new challenges surfaced. Lillian began experiencing intense anxiety again, especially when spending time at her father’s house. At school, she faced bullying that left her feeling sad and questioning her self-worth. But this time, Lillian remembered something important—CFGC had once been a place where she felt safe and supported. She asked her mom if she could return for counseling. Back in counseling, Lillian is rebuilding and strengthening her coping skills while focusing on managing anxiety and growing her confidence. She has made the brave decision to change schools and is beginning to thrive—developing her personal style, committing to her cheer team, building healthier friendships, and opening up more with her mother about her needs and sense of safety. Lillian’s story is still unfolding, but it is already one of resilience and courage. It’s also a reminder that when a child has a safe place to turn, healing and growth are possible. Your support helps make that possible.
BRANDEE & ALIYAH
Therapist & Client, Age 16
Aliyah once carried anger, silence, and the weight of past trauma. For a long time, she struggled to understand her emotions or feel secure in who she was. Trusting others—and herself—did not come easily. Finding her voice happened slowly, through small but courageous steps in counseling. Through therapy, Aliyah learned to identify her feelings, use coping skills when overwhelmed, and set boundaries that protected her peace. Over time, what once felt like chaos began to shift into clarity. As she grew, Aliyah reconnected with her identity and future. She embraced her cultural identity, built confidence, and began to see new possibilities for herself. Today, Aliyah is thriving academically and moving forward with purpose. She graduated with a 4.0 GPA and will begin college early this fall. More powerfully, she has discovered a calling: to become a counselor—so she can help other adolescents find their voice, reframe their thoughts, and recognize their strength.
SYDNEY & HEATHER
Therapist & Client, Age 33
Heather Sanders came to counseling carrying a lifelong sense of disconnection. From childhood, she often felt judged, misunderstood, and emotionally distant from her family—especially her mother. She described growing up without a consistent sense of emotional safety or feeling truly loved, which deeply impacted her self-worth into adulthood. As an adult, Heather continued searching for belonging. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community and a single mother, she felt pressure to protect herself and her child while also trying to find spaces where she could be fully accepted. When Heather began therapy with Sydney, she was seeking something she had never experienced—internal stability and self-acceptance. Through counseling, she began rebuilding her sense of identity and worth. She learned to recognize her value, set healthy boundaries, and protect her emotional well-being.
Today, Heather feels more grounded and confident in who she is. She is reclaiming her personal power and moving forward with greater clarity and peace, showing how healing begins with a safe place to land.
JACQUELINE & CARL
Therapist & Client, Age 40
Carl had built a life rich with meaning—devoted to his marriage, career, and roles as both a parent and foster parent. Despite early hardships and significant losses, he moved forward with resilience and a deep sense of purpose. Then a profound life event changed everything. What once felt stable became uncertain. The roles that had grounded him no longer offered the same sense of identity, and the meaning he had built felt out of reach. As depression took hold, even daily tasks became overwhelming. Choosing to enter therapy marked a turning point. Through counseling, Carl began rebuilding—exploring his experiences, reshaping his sense of self, and reconnecting with others. Over time, he restored trust in himself, his relationships, and the possibility of a meaningful future. Today, Carl continues to grow—as an individual, partner, and father. His journey is a reminder that even after deep disruption, healing and renewal are possible with support, patience, and care.
2026 STARFISH BENEFIT SPONSORS!
PRESENTING Sponsor
Utter Family of Dealerships
EMERALD Sponsors
Lead Dedicated Give Sponsors
Red River Title Co.
Rena & Brad Douglass
TMC Volunteers
GOLD Sponsors
Rayburn Energy Station, LLC
SILVER Sponsors
IPRO
Ruiz Foods
BRONZE Sponsors
APEX Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation
Associates Inc.
Apex Construction
Audrey Creswell
Bayless-Hall & Blanton Insurance
Blank Slate Therapy
Chapin Title Company
Chapman Incorporated
Dr. Chuck Phelps & Dr. Jeannine Hatt
Grant E & Mark A Smith DDS
Grayson County Sheriff's Office
GreyGabill Homes, LLC
Legend Bank
One World Bank
Preston Harbor
SouthState Bank
COPPER Sponsors
Adrianne Brandy Johnson
Brad & Laurie Pillow
Brad Rhodes
Commissary Express, Inc.
Classic Chevrolet of Denison
Covenant Development
Cravens Funeral Home
D&M Automotive and Performance
Dr. Alyssa Orthodontics
Easy Life Realty
Emerson-Fisher Controls
First State Bank
Greg & Nancy Kirkpatrick
Holiday Chevrolet
Joinery
Joe & Bonnie Fallon
Kevin & Susan Simmons
Kimberly Hudgins, Paragon, Realtors
Lake & Country Realty – Anna Finkenbinder, Broker
LeCrone Law Firm, PC
McCullough & Pierson Insurance
Melton Financial Group of Benjamin F.
Edwards - Katiebeth Worrel
Milestone Premier Properties
Nautilus Family Fitness
Pediatric Dental Specialists
- Meredith Munal, DDS
Peter & Helen Schulze Charitable Fund
PTF Insulation Fabricators
RGB Eye Associates
Rivas Law
Scott & Brenda Hayward
Simmons Bank
Sisemore Services HVAC & Plumbing
Steps 2 Strides Therapy Center
Texoma Care Family Medicine – Denison
Texoma Industrial Insulation Inc.
Texoma Medical Center
Texas Institute for Neurological Disorders
The Meals Team – eXp Realty
Tracy Realty
Tyson Foods
Wynne, Smith & Young
WINNER’S CHOICE RAFFLE
First United Bank
BID PADDLE
Dexter Ward & Associates
PHOTOBOOTH
Guild Mortgage
360 PHOTOBOOTH
Cultivar Capital & The Henderson Family
CHAMPAGNE TABLE
Utter, Pike, & Dobbs, Private Wealth Management Group
AUCTION SPONSORS
ITEMS & DISPLAY
Dr. Stephen & Melissa Sandoval
GI Alliance
Kyle & Alli DesHotels
Mitchell & Denise Harris
Oliver McElroy
The Olmstead Team, Stacey Olmstead Anonymous
MAJOR AUCTION Sponsors
Andy & Stacey Olmstead
Apex Construction
Brett & Debbie Graham
Cernero Surgery & Aesthetics
Courtney Alkhatib
Daystar Landscapes, Inc
Dr. Brad & Stephanie Hammett
Dr. Stephen & Melissa Sandoval
Hope Concrete
Knight Furniture & Mattres
Kyle & Alli DesHotels
Manny & Sherri Morales
Old Quail Run Farm
Oliver McElroy Anonymous
MEDIA & PROMOTIONAL
EVENT Partners
Alpha Media – KLAK 97.5 & KMAD 102.5 & KMKT 93.1
B99.7 The Buzz
Blue Willow Cafe
Cadence Studios
Courtney Mitchell Photography
DJ Dun-Nee D Entertainment Services
Hannah's Florist
Heads Up Media
Kendra Sikes Photography
KTEN
KXII
Sparklight Advertising
Undaunted Creative Agency
THANK YOU! YOUR SUPPORT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE!
THANK YOU TO OUR UNDERWRITER SPONSORS!
WINNER'S CHOICE RAFFLE SPONSOR BID PADDLE
360 PHOTOBOOTH
DÉCOR
CHAMPAGNE SPONSOR
AUCTION UNDERWRITER SPONSOR
Kyle & Alli DesHotels | Dr. Brad & Stephanie Hammett
Dr. Stephen & Melissa Sandoval | Oliver McElroy | The Olmstead Team, Stacey Olmstead | Mitchell & Denise Harris | Anonymous
MAJOR AUCTION FUND SPONSORS
Andy & Stacey Olmstead | Apex Construction | Brett & Debbie Graham
Cernero Surgery & Aesthetics | Courtney Alkhatib | Daystar Landscapes, Inc
Dr. Stephen & Melissa Sandoval | Hope Concrete | Knight Furniture & Mattress
Kyle & Alli DesHotels | Manny & Sherri Morales | Old Quail Run Farm
Oliver McElroy | Anonymous
Photobooth
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2025 WINNER'S CHOICE RAFFLE WINNER!
Disney World Family Adventure
"This trip was such an incredible opportunity, and we would not have been able to make this experience happen for our family if it weren’t for the Winner’s Choice Raffle and the Starfish Benefit! We opted for the trip to Disney World and made memories with our boys that will last a lifetime! From the proximity to Disney and the amenities of the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress hotel accommodation, to our days at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, every day we spent in Orlando was pure magic and we are so grateful!"
- Brian, Lesley, Hudson & Harrison Hayward
Winner will be drawn at the Starfish Benefit, Saturday May 2nd. Trip is redeemable up to one year from date of drawing. Given that the purpose of the Winner's Choice Raffle is to raise much needed funds for the Child & Family Guidance Center to provide psychological services to low income Texoma families; the Center has NO RESTRICTIONS ON WHO CAN PURCHASE RAFFLE TICKETS. ANYONE IS WELCOME TO PURCHASE TICKETS INCLUDING BOARD MEMBERS, STAFF AND CLIENTS.
LIVE AUCTION PACKAGES
A TEXAS NIGHT WITH ZACH BRYAN IN ARLINGTON
Experience an unforgettable “Something in the Orange” Texas night in Arlington, Texas, with a live concert by Zach Bryan.
Enjoy a luxury hotel stay with dinner reservations at a premier fine dining restaurant, creating an elevated evening before the show. This exclusive getaway blends live music, comfort, and upscale dining for a memorable concert experience on August 22.
Additional details to be announced.
DONATED BY:
DR. STEPHEN & MELISSA SANDOVAL
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL IN NOLA
Experience the magic of New Orleans with a 3-night stay for 4 guests in a 2-room hotel near the French Quarter.
Enjoy a guided Food & History Walking Tour featuring Creole favorites like gumbo, po’boys, muffulettas, bananas foster, and pralines while learning from local chefs and guides.
Also included is a 1-hour horse-drawn carriage tour through the French Quarter and Marigny, passing iconic landmarks like
DONATED BY:
KYLE & ALLI DESHOTELS, ANONYMOUS
BACKYARD OASIS
Don’t settle for an average outdoor space - Transform Your Backyard into an Outdoor Oasis!
Build the patio you’ve always wanted with 9 cubic yards of premium concrete, creating a solid, long-lasting foundation—professionally installed by Apex Construction for a flawless finish. Then bring it to life with a $500 Twin Oaks Nursery gift card - perfect for adding lush plants, flowers, and completing your custom landscaping.
Whether you’re hosting summer gatherings or unwinding at home, this package is your chance to create a stunning outdoor retreat.
DONATED BY:
APEX CONSTRUCTION, HOPE CONCRETE, GI ALLIANCE
ULTIMATE AUTUMN IN THE ROCKIES
Enjoy a breathtaking fall getaway in Beaver Creek, Colorado, with a weeklong stay (Sept 5 -12, 2026) in a fully furnished, luxurious 2-bedroom Park Plaza condo.
Take in stunning golden foliage, live outdoor music, mountain dining, shopping, and more. Your stay includes a king bed, two twins, sleeper sofa, and two full bath, plus a $500 Visa gift card to enjoy local activities. A perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable mountain views.
DONATED BY:
ANDY & STACEY OLMSTEAD GI ALLIANCE
TULUM BOHEMIAN LUXURY RETREAT
Escape to luxury with a 5-day, 4-night stay at Casa Manati, a stunning 3-story jungle villa in Tulum’s exclusive & secure Flora Fauna community.
Enjoy a private saltwater pool, rooftop terraces, and VIP access to Cinco Beach Club. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or a fun-filled adventure, this retreat has everything you need to make your trip unforgettable for up to 10 guests.
Trip must be booked directly with owner by November 20, 2026. Expires May 3, 2027. Not available in December or January.
DONATED BY:
SHERRI & MANNY MORALES-ORTIZ
DAYSTAR LANDSCAPES LUXURY LANDSCAPE MAKEOVER
Transform your outdoor space with a luxury landscape makeover designed to elevate both beauty and function.
Whether you envision a peaceful retreat or a vibrant garden, our expert team will bring your vision to life with quality materials and detailed craftsmanship.
Package includes an onsite consultation, custom landscape design, and installation services valued up to $5,000. Let us create the outdoor oasis you’ve always wanted.
DONATED BY:
DAYSTAR LANDSCAPES, INC.
KENTUCKY BOURBON LOVER’S ADVENTURE
Embark on a journey to the heart of Kentucky with a 3-night getaway for two in Lexington, where rich history and renowned bourbon culture await.
Enjoy a guided bourbon tour with five local distillery stops, complete with a private car, driver, lunch, snacks, and $100 gift cards for tastings.
Stay at your choice of Origin Hotel or 21c Museum Hotel, and savor dinner for two at Jeff Ruby Steakhouse.
This experience blends relaxation, local flavor, and authentic Southern charm.
JACKSON HOLE FALL MAGIC
Experience the magic of fall beneath the breathtaking Teton Mountains —crisp air, vibrant colors, and fewer crowds make this the perfect escape.
You and a guest will enjoy a 4-night stay, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, complete with a Yellowstone Park tour, a visit to the National Museum of Wildlife, and a scenic Aerial Tram ride with unforgettable mountain views.
Travel is available August 1 through October 15, with no blackout dates. 90-day advanced booking required. Valid for 2 years. Additional guests may be added for a fee.
DONATED BY:
ANDY & STACEY OLMSTEAD
OLIVER MCELROY
DONATED BY:
BRETT & DEBBIE GRAHAM
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CLIENT SUCCESS STORY
“Through consistent play therapy at CFGC, she was given a safe, developmentally appropriate space to begin processing her trauma. Over time, she found her voice.”
When the client first came to Child & Family Guidance Center in September 2023, she carried the weight of experiences no child should endure. Placed with her foster family, she was struggling with severe anxiety, depression, defiance, night terrors, and regression, including bedwetting. Having grown up in a home impacted by substance abuse and sexual abuse, she often found it difficult to communicate her emotions or feel safe in the world around her.
As healing progressed, another critical chapter unfolded. She learned coping skills to manage anxiety, her regression began to fade, and she slowly rebuilt a sense of safety and trust. What once appeared as fear and defiance transformed into growing confidence and emotional expression.
With support from her caregivers, the District Attorney’s office, and her CFGC therapist—who served as both therapeutic support and witness—the client and her family pursued justice. Equipped with tools and confidence gained in therapy, she made the courageous decision to testify in open court. Her strength led to accountability: her biological father was convicted and sentenced to prison. For the client and her family, justice brought closure and a renewed sense of safety and peace, knowing they had support throughout both healing and the legal process.
Today, she is thriving and continues her therapeutic journey with resilience and hope. Her story reflects the life-changing impact of trauma-informed care, showing how compassion, consistency, and support help children heal and reclaim their future.
Due to the sensitive nature of this client story, identifying details have been removed to protect privacy.
2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BOARD OFFICERS
Adrianne Brandy Johnson, President
Michelle Castle, Past President
Alli DesHotels, President Elect
Ashton Bellows
Lesley Davis Brooks
Patrick Cravens
Tenneil Dutton
Rena Douglass
Stephanie Foley
Carlos Rivas, Treasurer
Heather Keizer, Secretary
BOARD MEMBERS
Frank Gadek
Keith Henderson
Shawn Kincannon
Greg Kirkpatrick
Megan Nobles
Sandra Oakley
CFGC STAFF
Stacey Olmstead
Brad Rhodes
Melissa Sandoval
Allen Shaw
Susan Simmons
April Vaughn
EXECUTIVE/ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
Brenda Hayward, MBA Executive Director
Jessica Hamilton, CPPM Practice Manager
Loren Hervey, LPC-S Clinical Director
Kristin Hilson Marketing Executive Assistant
Rachel Carey, LPC-S
Ashley Hinson, LPC-S
John Trader, LPC-S
Vicki Jukes, LMFT
Megan Gonzalez Intake Coordinator
Jamie Parks Care Coordinator
Arturo Tarin Administrative Assistant
Amber Welch Administrative/Billing Assistant
CLINICAL TEAM
Kelsey Ticer, LPC
Brandee Evans, LPC-Associate
Danielle Farrington, LPC
John Howard, LPC
Jacqueline Klassen, LPC
Sydney McDaniel, LPC
Alexandra Steward, LPC
Sandreonia Sluder, LMFT-Associate
Kevin Strickland, LPC-Associate
Michael Albright, LPC-Associate
Whitney Savage, LMFT-Associate
Ashley Plauche, Field Experience Intern
Andrew Ray, Field Experience Intern
Bibia Rosario, Field Experience Intern
PROGRAMS & SERVICES OFFERED
INDIVIDUAL, FAMILY, & GROUP THERAPY
Sessions are designed to provide a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental environment that allows clients to talk about their concerns and feelings.
PLAY THERAPY
Play has often been described as the language of children. Our specially trained play therapists help young children express their most difficult feelings. Some of the tools therapists use in the play therapy process are games, books, toys, anatomically correct dolls, sand tray therapy, and art therapy.
FAMILY EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM
Caregivers are provided support and resources by working directly with a master’s level intern to help them learn about their child’s diagnosis, emotional and behavioral problems, parenting skills assistance as well as their own mental healthcare needs.
PARENT EDUCATION PROGRAMS
A variety of award winning, evidence-based programs and curriculum are offered in group classes and individually to help parents strengthen their parenting skills.
MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
CFGC offers CEU training to staff and community mental health providers. We also provide internships to master level students and LPC interns.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Connecting clients and families to trusted local services that support a wide range of needs. From mental health and healthcare to housing, food assistance, and more, we regularly share up-to-date resources to help you find the support you need —when you need it most.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS & COLLABORATIONS
CFGC is proud of the many professional relationships developed over the years that provide expanded services and resources to clients. The Child & Family Guidance Center of Texoma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency that receives financial support from generous community partners. Because of this generous support, no uninsured client is refused treatment because of financial limitations.
