ARLINGTON -- Smiles and laughs abounded as the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation hosted the third annual TEX Gala, presented by Choctaw Casinos & Resorts, Thursday night at Globe Life Field. 

Typically the home of Rangers games, Globe Life Field was filled with a different type of crowd as donors, team executives, and players -- both former and active -- filled the venue for the annual fundraiser. 

Guests were greeted to cocktail and wine bars, decorative photo booths, a chance to bid for signed sports memorabilia, and a three-course meal that ended with tiramisu. Guests were also treated to a performance by eight-time Entertainer of the Year Award winner Kenny Chesney.

“It feels good to see everybody out here,” said Rangers outfielder Bubba Thompson. “It’s a good environment. It’s cool seeing all the signed jerseys that are going to be auctioned off. It’s always good to give back and help other people.”

Since its inception in 1991, the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation has invested more than $65 million into the Arlington community and is dedicated to improving the lives of children, military, first responders, and their families, through meaningful programming and partnerships focused on education, health, and athletics.

Signature programs include the Texas Rangers MLB Youth Academy at Mercy Street Sports Complex, presented by Toyota, the 2018 Allan H. Selig Philanthropic Excellence award-winning Richard Greene Scholars, the Charley Pride Fellowship Program, and the 50th Anniversary Legacy Grant Program.

“Our largest program is the Texas Rangers Academy in West Dallas,” said Karin Morris, senior vice president of the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation. “We operate 365 days a year and in the past three years we’ve had 80 kids go on to play college baseball and softball. So, a night like this not only helps us raise the funds to offer our children, but also allows us [the Foundation] to be where our community needs us.”

The annual TEX Gala event, which began in 2021, has done wonders for the Foundation and helps to secure funds for them to continue to make a positive impact in the lives of families around the metroplex.

Last year's second annual TEX Gala, headlined by Darius Rucker raised $1.85 million, and 2021’s inaugural TEX Gala headlined by Tim McGraw raised $1.625 million for the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation.

“The Foundation has been doing such a great job,” said National Baseball Hall of Famer Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez. “You can see how much we’ve grown. Starting off in the hotel to now being at the ballpark, it's incredible.”

Rodriguez, who has attended all three installments of the annual TEX Gala, was thrilled by the turnout and the impact the Foundation is making.

“It’s a great atmosphere,” Rodriguez said. “People love to come here. I see many people here that I see every year, which is great. This is what it’s all about … just to continue helping young kids. They are the future of tomorrow and we love to support them.”

Proceeds from the sold-out event will benefit the Rangers Foundation and its mission to improve the lives of children, military, first responders, and their families in the North Texas community and beyond.