Memories of Raymond Cooper will be highlighted at the Saturday, Aug. 2 gala. File art
Honoring the legacy of Raymond Cooper
The Wylie Community Christian Care Center will host its inaugural fundraising gala Saturday, Aug. 2, honoring the legacy of one of its founders, the late Raymond Cooper.
The event, titled “A Night to Remember,” replaces the organization’s annual golf tournament and will be held at the Collin College Wylie Campus. Doors open at 5 p.m., with dinner served at 6 p.m.
“This would be the kickoff,” said Care Center Director Audrey Wallace. “And it’ll be a new thing we do every year.”
The gala will feature dinner, a live and silent auction, music from a DJ and appearances by local leaders who knew and worked alongside Cooper. Former Wylie Mayor Eric Hogue will serve as emcee, with short tributes delivered by Brother Draper and Pastor Perry.
“They’ll both talk about Raymond,” Wallace said. “Brother Draper will talk about where we’ve been and Pastor Perry’s going to talk about where we’re going.”
Wallace said the event will offer moments of laughter and remembrance, including a video presentation featuring community members sharing memories and stories about Cooper.
“There were so many people at the funeral for Raymond that would have loved to have said something,” Wallace said, “And because everybody couldn’t get up and speak, I thought, ‘Why not have a night to remember?’”
In a nod to Cooper’s signature style, attendees will each receive a fedora—a staple of Cooper’s wardrobe. A special “Fedora Dash” fundraiser will also be part of the evening. For an additional $100, guests can select a numbered fedora from a table. Each number corresponds to a mystery prize valued at $125 or more.
“It could be worth $250 or $300, but you’re paying $100,” Wallace said.
A photo backdrop will display an image of Cooper wearing one of his iconic fedoras, giving guests the opportunity to snap photos in tribute.
The event is expected to draw 250 attendees. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased online at wyliecommunitychristiancare.org.
The gala also includes a silent auction for items valued at $350 or more, a bag auction for smaller items, and a live auction. No alcohol will be served at the event.
Cooper, who passed away last year, co-founded the Care Center and played a pivotal role in its growth and success over the past two decades. Wallace, who worked with Cooper on past fundraisers like the Taste of Wylie and the original golf tournament, said his influence on the organization remains strong.
Last year alone, the Care Center distributed between $170,000 and $180,000 in rent and utility assistance to area residents in need.
“It’s not just a night to remember,” Wallace said. “It’s what it is going forward—where we’re at and where we’re going.”
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By Sonia Duggan | [email protected]
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