The first Go-Giver Gala to benefit Longview’s homeless residents was a sterling success. But wait, the second annual Go-Giver gala was the tops. However, the third Go-Giver Gala was phenomenal. Those who attended the Maude Cobb Center extravaganza savored a whirlwind of dining, dancing and recognition of the town’s top Go-Givers. Those so honored this year are: Horaney’s, Peter’s Chevrolet Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat; and Texas Bank and Trust.

“It was a phenomenal event. Longview is the greatest place to live because of the incredibly kindhearted and generous people who live here. I never expected such a huge turnout for the first year,” he said. “But Longview never lets me down.” That was in 2018. His honor also acknowledged the volunteers who gave so much effort to ensure the Go-Givers Gala was such a victory for its cause. In 2018, Mayor Andy Mack said, “Julie Woods, her friends and city staff including Maude Cobb employees hit it out of the park,” he said. “It will be hard to top this effort.” In 2019, Julie Woods, her friends and the City of Longview including the donors surprised Mack.

They exceeded expectations in all areas topping 2018 Go-Giver gala whose funds were used for tackling homelessness. The 2019 donations were for improving Highway 80. This is crucial because Highway 80 is a significant and vital thoroughfare that runs right through Longview, providing transportation to the local economy. Also, the highway is lined with numerous motels, restaurants and assorted businesses that are central to the city’s financial health, providing residents with jobs and attracting money-spending visitors. It is important to note, various stretches of Highway 80 see between 15,000 and 30,000 cars per day.

Then, there is Teague Park, the gem of Highway 80. Hence, ‘Bringing back Teague Park’ was the goal of 2020 Go-Giver Gala. Once more, Longview did not let Mayor Mack Down.

According to Julie Woods, the Chair’s event, Go-Giver Gala 2020 exceeded set goals. More people attended – 700 to be exact. There was more fun, and the Gala raised much money than the two previous years. “Our goal was to raise $250K in cash and had over $62,000 of in-kind services donated. All in all, we ended up raising $322K. It was beyond my wildest dreams. Thanks to our generous donors and all who attended. Now, off to planning 2021.”

Mayor Mack said it best, “We overachieved! We raised over $322,000 of cash and in-kind services. Our goal was to be at $250K. We never thought it would be so much over and above our goal. The residents of Longview continue to give over and over again. This shows they are invested in and care about Hwy 80 and the revitalization of Teague Park. We are a Go-Giver community. Thank You Longview.”

“We overachieved! We raised over $322,000 of cash and in-kind services. Our goal was to be at $250K. We never thought it would be so much over and above our goal. The residents of Longview continue to give over and over again. This shows they are invested in and care about Hwy 80 and the revitalization of Teague Park. We are a Go-Giver community. Thank You Longview.” Mayor Andy Mack