Lakehills gala brings Vegas vibes, bestows scholarship
David Guerra accepts his 2023 Lakehills Community Center Scholarship award. (Left to Right): VP: Lorri Savoie, David Guerra, President: Kelly Beedle, and Margaret Christilles – Scholarship Chairwoma
On May 20, the Lakehills Community Center hosted its 2nd Annual Fundraising Gala, bringing a taste of Las Vegas to the venue renowned for the Annual Medina Lake Cajun Festival. The Community Center was transformed into an upscale entertainment venue and ballroom for this special event.
Approximately 150 residents of Bandera County, community center supporters, and friends attended the Gala, dressed in their finest attire. They enjoyed a full-service 5-star restaurant experience with catered food delivered by friendly waitstaff. The menu included homemade fresh salad, chicken and sausage gumbo, fried catfish and shrimp, carrot cake, and wine. Tables adorned with freshly pressed linen tablecloths and napkins added to the elegant ambiance.
Barbara Engel, the Gala’s chairperson, expressed her pride in the volunteer support that made the event a success. She noted that this was the first Gala where they featured a live professional entertainer to add excitement to the fundraiser. Over 30 volunteers dedicated more than 25 hours to prepare and cook the special homemade menu. The goal was to provide an upper- class experience that aligned with the caliber of entertainment, making it a Gala where supporters could enjoy a quality night out, dressed in their best evening attire. The funds raised from this event were designated for a much-needed kitchen remodel at the Lakehills Community Center, which hosts various events such as dinners, monthly senior citizen luncheons, and the famous Annual Cajun Festival.
The entertainment for the evening was provided by the renowned “Gary the Showman,” who transported the crowd back to the heyday of Elvis in the 1950s and 60s. Gary delighted attendees with Elvis’ rock and roll hits, gave “Elvis the Pelvis” dance lessons to the men in the crowd, initiated a lively Conga line with over 40 participants, and more. Guests couldn’t resist hitting the impromptu dance floors in the aisles, creating a vibrant atmosphere that lasted for two hours.
The Gala also included the presentation of the 2nd Annual Lakehills Community Center Scholarship, awarded to a deserving high school or college student from Bandera County. The scholarship committee, led by Margaret Christilles, rigorously evaluated numerous applicants. Kelly Beedle, President of the Community Center, announced that David Guerra, a sophomore at Emory Riddle Aeronautical University from Lakehills, was the recipient of the scholarship.
David, a 2022 graduate of Bandera High School and a member of the National Honor Society, is pursuing a degree in aeronautical science with aspirations of working at NASA. He has already participated in NASA programs, achieved Dean’s List status at Emory in his first year, and actively volunteers as a reporter and photographer for the university’s prestigious magazine, the Avion. Furthermore, he mentors elementary students in STEM subjects at local schools in Daytona Beach. David emphasized the importance of volunteering to help the local community, reflecting on the potential of inspiring future scientists, engineers, and even astronauts.
David’s parents, who fell in love with the area after attending the Medina Lake Cajun Festival 22 years ago, purchased a home between Lakehills and Pipe Creek to raise their three children. They fondly recalled bringing their children to the Lakehills Civic Center 13 years ago for karate lessons to build their confidence.
To learn more about the Lakehills Community Center or become a volunteer, visit their website at www.lakehillscommunitycenter. org (currently being redesigned) or explore their Facebook page. The Medina Lake Cajun Festival also relies on hundreds of volunteers to ensure its success. To volunteer for the festival, please call (830)460-0600.