In years past, the Arthur Nagel Community Clinic has roamed the western landscape for its fall Cork & Fork theme, at various times conjuring up classic cowboys, a country music song title and a traditional barn dance.
But for this year’s edition of Bandera County’s most annually anticipated gala, organizers decided on the obvious choice of honoring America’s veterans on their historic day of remembrance, Nov. 11.
Highlighting the theme of “O Beautiful For Patriot Dream,” the gala focused on the five major branches of the service and the men and women who sacrificed so much that we may all live in freedom.
“We owe an incalculable debt to all veterans, living and deceased, and this Cork & Fork gives us the chance to thank them,” Nagel Clinic executive director and event producer Chuck Lutke explained while surveying the sold-out crowd of 320. “The people of the Bandera County region are warm. They are generous. And their appreciation for and investment in health care for the underserved among us makes this place the very best place to call home.”
This Cork & Fork raised more than $130,000 — the highest total since the Nagel Clinic launched its first such event nine years ago — for patient care.
That thrilled Cork & Fork chairs Lloyd and Sheri Norris, who are longtime Clinic supporters.
“Thirty-five percent of the Clinic’s annual operating budget comes from local donors and this popular event showcases that support so well,” said Lloyd Norris. “The Carl and Marie Jo Anderson Foundation recognizes this and has provided a $20,000 challenge grant to the Clinic prior to Cork & Fork for the past three years to encourage new and increased giving from the community. That challenge was met in this single evening.”
The America-themed celebration began as soon as guests exited their cars and walked up the flag-lined walkway to the Pavilion at the Farm Country Club. Due to off-and-on light rain, the planned red-carpet entrance was scrapped at the last minute. Inside, the Texas honky-tonk melodies of Weldon Henson and his band livened up the room.
The cavernous dance hall was transformed into a beautiful patriotic celebration by Clinic Board member Mindi Hauck and her colleagues at Bandera Bank, as they washed the space with red, white and blue flowers and miniature flags of each of the five key service branches illuminated by tiny white lights.
The dinner, catered by Pipe Creek’s legendary Backyard Bistro, also emphasized the patriotic theme and included roasted American Rock Cornish game hen with jalapeno cream sauce, potatoes au gratin, roasted seasonal vegetables and Uncle Sam apple cobbler with bourbon-infused whipped cream.
After dinner, WOAI’s Robert Price, emcee, introduced five area couples with distinguished records of military service in the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy.
They joined an Army ROTC Color Guard unit on the dance floor and led guests in the pledge of allegiance to the flag and the national anthem.
The a cappella Tenor-Bass Ensemble from UT Austin, making a return trip to Cork & Fork, thrilled the crowd with the stirring “Navy Hymn” followed by “The Armed Forces Medley” and concluded with a goosebump-inducing performance of “America the Beautiful” that drew a prolonged standing ovation for the talented young students.
Auctioneer Todd Odom electrified the house by drawing out large bids from the crowd on spectacular items including a handmade patriotic quilt, a dove hunt for 10, an island getaway in the Turks & Caicos and the Board of Directors’ annual favorite: an “Instant Wine Cellar” featuring 60 bottles of collectable wines.
At the conclusion, Odom called for guests to lift their bidding paddles if they wished to support the Clinic at various amounts. The live auction garnered the most funds ever.
Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Hometown Hero Award to the Honorable Jody Rutherford, County Commissioner for Precinct 4. Commissioner Rutherford thanked the Clinic’s Board of Directors for the honor and recounted for guests his appreciation for the Clinic’s service to the community during the pandemic, including many veterans.
Afterwards, the dance floor filled up quickly as guests two-stepped the night away to more classic country music and signaled their appreciation for new Bandera favorite, Weldon Henson.
Throughout the evening, guests greeted each other like long lost friends, as if they were continuing to make up for time lost during the COVID years. Debbie Flowers, auction co-chair with her husband, Randy, added her usual touch of glamour, as did Barbara Shepard, Dr. Ruth Grubesic, Dianna Harris and others. Not to mention Dan Anderson walking tall in a stylish Scottish kilt.
Next year’s Cork & Fork is set for Saturday, Nov. 9.
To see photos of the 2023 Cork & Fork, visit nagelclinic.org/events.
