CoyPullaraThe ARK Domestic Violence Shelter will host their annual fundraiser on Saturday, February 14th.  This year, the dinner/dance will be held at the Brown County Fairgrounds Home Economics Building and the theme is “Romancing the Stars.”  There will be red carpet, paparazzi, and some auction items from celebrities, however, the real focus will be on the “Local Stars” – the folks who have given so much to help The ARK exist.

A couple of local heroes remain a mystery.  This couple will be recognized during the event as the recipients of the Coy Pullara Unsung Hero award. Coy was instrumental in creating the shelters here (1984) and in Abilene (1980).  She died in 2010 but her memory is kept alive at the shelter with an annual award to others that continue the work she started when she created a safe haven for individuals and their families to keep them safe from domestic violence or sexual assault.

Other local heroes that will be honored are the participants in last year’s Adopt-a-Room project. These individuals spent a great deal of time, money and hard work on renovating all the bedrooms of the shelter.  The results of the renovation were amazing and a video commemorating their work will be shown, giving attendees a look at the before and after pictures.

“The goal of this year’s event is to make everyone feel like a star,”  Executive Director Terri Densman said. “We’ll have great music to dance to, and a wonderful steak dinner and exciting auction items to bid on.”

The steak dinner for the event will be catered by Humphrey Pete’s and will include an 8 oz. sirloin, roasted new potatoes, green beans, salad, roll and dessert. Humphrey Pete’s is a locally owned restaurant known for its great food and excellent service and catering.

The Bill Smallwood band will be back as well.  Smallwood, from Fredericksburg, is known for his jazzy renditions of the classic forties music, but he will also pull out some favorites from throughout the decades.

In addition to a guitar autographed by George Strait for the live auction, there will also be Robert Earl Keen items, a vacation trip to New York, a vacation trip to New Orleans, and a sapphire/diamond ring from Nathan’s Jewelers.

Tickets (or sponsor information) are available from any ARK Board Member, including John Propst, Ann Beadel, Jo Ann Snow, Jared Trowbridge, Troy Carroll, George Caldwell, Kimberly Cruz, Cassandra Evers, Rick Phelps or Dion White, by calling The ARK administration at (325)643-2699, or by PayPal online at