2026

Keynote speaker
Associate Judge Martha Huerta of Nueces County Court-at-Law No. 5

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Sister Milagros Tormo, M.J.M.J., President

Margaret S. Villarreal, Vice President

Rene Esquivel, Chairman

Patricia (Patsy) J. Benchoff, Secretary

Anjelina Yanet Abecia

Demetrio M. Gonzalez, DDS

Jovita Pantoja Martinez

Paulo Segoviano, BCC

Anna Dolores Villegas

THE ARK GALA 2026

Anna Dolores Villegas,
Chairperson

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Co-Master of Ceremonies
Rudy Treviño

Co-Master of Ceremonies
Barbi Leo

June 2026

Dear Friend:

The Ark Gala 2026 marks 30 years since the Diocese of Corpus Christi deeded land in 1996 to the Missionary Sisters of Jesus, Mary and Joseph to build The Ark. It’s also the 26th anniversary of the first child admitted to the shelter on April 7, 2000.

The Ark Assessment Center and Emergency Shelter for Youth’s fund raiser begins at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17 at the Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds, 1213 Terry Shamsie Blvd., in Robstown. Associate Judge Martha Huerta of Nueces County Court-at-Law No. 5 will be the keynote speaker. The gala also will feature Co-Masters of Ceremonies Rudy Treviño and Barbi Leo (KIII-TV “Domingo Live!” program co-hosts), silent/live auctions and dinner/dessert.

Can you sponsor a table at one of the following levels: The Ark ($15,000), Stork ($10,000), Dove ($5,000), Giraffe ($2,500) or Leopard ($1,000)? All of them seat 10 and offer signage, recognition at the gala and newsletter/website thanks. To secure recognition of your charitable contribution in our printed program at the event, we need your commitment or payment by Aug. 14. Sponsorship tables can also be purchased “In Memory of” or “In Honor of” an individual. (Individual seats cost $60.) Tax-deductible gifts for the auctions are needed by Aug. 14. Auction donors receive signage at the auction.

The agency is licensed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to provide assessment services and emergency shelter to 61 children, ages 0 through 13, who are removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect by a parent or guardian. The facility has served more than 4,700 residents.

The gala’s proceeds pay for services that make a difference in the children’s lives at The Ark. Monetary donations of any amount can be made online at www.ark4kids.com (the agency’s website). Thank you for considering assisting the shelter. We look forward to hearing from you. For more information or reservations, please call (361) 241-6566.