
Beatles tribute band Hard Day’s Night with MakeAWay Charities director of development Jill Hellwig and executive director Jay Hellwig (Photo Credit: Jason Janik)
On October 27, more than 400 people attended the Get Groovy with MakeAWay Charities‘ 4th annual gala at the Westin Galleria. With Pat and Emmitt Smith as honorary chairs, the 60s-themed event featured entertainment by internationally top-rated Beatles tribute band Hard Day’s Night and 60s-themed dancing by Arthur Murray Dance Studios. La Madeleine founder Patrick Esquerre temporarily took over as auctioneer, drumming up excitement for a fully customized dream trip to Paris with him as the guide, including a trip on his personal yacht. As the bidding on the trip appeared to be winding down at $15,000, Esquerre surprised the room when he offered the top two bidders both the chance to win a trip, doubling the donations to $30,000 for the charity.
Before the band took the stage, founders Mike and Kathy Hayes and executive director Jay Hellwig hosted a speed-donating round of “Fund a Need” where they read excerpts from 20 financial assistance applications from struggling families. Individuals donated nearly $10,000 in 10 minutes to fully fund those 20 requests for energy, rent and medical bill assistance. The silent and live auction raised $90,000. Combining that with sponsorships and ticket sales, a total of $240,000 was donated to this amazing organization.
Donors and sponsors of this year’s Get Groovy Gala benefiting MakeAWay Charities include: Generational Equity (title), Metroplex Pain Management, la Madeleine and Covenant Church (presenting sponsors), P.M. Standley Motors, PhotoStat, Jason Montgomery DDS and Uptown Enterprises. Since the organization’s founding in 2008, MakeAWay Charities has assisted more than 1,000 families in North Texas, including helping more than 800 families avoid foreclosure and eviction. More than 95 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to families in need. The support allows families to stay in their homes, get vehicle repairs so they can transport children to school and commute to work, and not have to choose between keeping electricity or getting needed medical help.








The event was spectacular but what Makeaway Charities does is even moreso!
Congratulations on such an accomplishment! This 'triple mentor bonus': helping sponsor the event, partnering with Make a Way Foundation, and the unmatched satisfaction of lives being touch with your help! Well done good and faithful servant!