The Cunningham family
Ashley and Andy Cunninghambrare high school sweethearts who are dedicated to giving back. They're sobrinvested in GRACE Grapevine particularly, that the nonprofit has proclaimed thebrCunninghams as the 2016 GRACE Gala Chairs.
Planned for October 22 atbrthe Irving Convention Center, the GRACE Gala is the organization’s single mostbrimportant fundraising event of the year. The Cunninghams will play anbrinstrumental role in overseeing the event, making sure everything functionsbrseamlessly to result in a memorable and beneficial evening.
Here's a little backgroundbron this philanthropic couple. Andy received his Bachelor of Science inbrAgricultural Economics from Texas A&M University and currently serves asbrVice President of Business Development for Coastal Plains, a diversified oilbrfield services company.
Also a graduate of TexasbrA&M University, Ashley holds a Bachelor of Science in Community Health andbra Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from the Universitybrof North Texas. As a former teacher and child life specialist, her specializationbrin children with special needs led her to partner with Camp Jon Marc, a NorthbrTexas summer camp designed for children with disabilities.
The Cunninghams havebrcalled Grapevine home since 2000, and have since volunteered ample time tobrafter-school activities for their three young children, Drew, Claire and Cole.
It was their greatbremphasis on family involvement and the encouragement of a family member thatbrled them to invest in the mission of GRACE. When Andy's sister, JenniferbrHibbs, who is the Assistant City Manager for Grapevine and GRACE Board Member,brintroduced the couple to GRACE five years ago, it was a natural fit.
“GRACE's family-basedbrapproach and reputation initially sparked our interest,” said Andy. “As ourbrparticipation in the GRACE Gala and Drive Into the Night grew, so didbrour love for GRACE’s mission to help families in a lasting way.”
Andy's ingenuity forbrbusiness strategy will be a tremendous resource in the oversight of committees,brsponsor benefits and event logistics. Ashley's extensive background in childbrand family services give her a broadened understanding of the heart behind ourbrservices. We look forward to collaborating with this wonderful family and whatbrwe can achieve together for the GRACE Gala in 2016.
ThebrCunninghams will be kicking of their first Gala Committee meeting on April 11brat 9:30 a.m. in the GRACE Boardroom at GRACE Main, 610 Shady Brook inbrGrapevine. All interested in volunteering for the Gala are welcome to attend. Visit GRACEGrapevine.org to learn more about the faith-based, social service agency.