10/11/2026
Last night, we hosted our 5th Annual Celebrity Chef Gala, and I am still struggling to find the words to adequately express what this evening meant to me.
It was extraordinary. It was humbling. And it was so much more than I could have ever hoped for.
Five years ago, we could not have imagined what this event would become. Yet, year after year, this incredible community continues to show up, believe in our mission, and remind us that the impact of one act of kindness can reach far beyond what we may ever see.
The ripples continue to grow, and each of you is part of that story.
There are so many people who deserve recognition, and while words will never feel like enough, I want to try.
To Chef Andre Rush: From the very beginning, you believed in Dog Tag Buddies and the work we do for Montana's veterans. Every year, you carve out precious time from an extraordinarily demanding schedule to stand beside us and support this mission. That commitment means more to me than you may ever know.
For those who have never had the opportunity to meet Chef, I wish you could experience the man behind the celebrity. Beneath the larger-than-life presence is one of the most genuine, humble, compassionate, and generous human beings I have had the privilege of knowing. Your character speaks louder than your accomplishments, and that is saying something. Thank you for continuing to believe in us.
To our guests and sponsors: Your generosity is the heartbeat of this event. You do more than purchase a ticket, sponsor a table, or raise a paddle. You invest in veterans, in healing, in renewed purpose, and in the belief that those who have served our country deserve every opportunity to thrive. You are helping change lives, not just for the veterans we serve, but for their families and the communities around them. Thank you for trusting us with that responsibility.
To our incredible volunteers: You are the people behind the scenes who make the impossible look effortless. You give your time, your energy, your talents, and often a little bit of your sanity to make this evening happen. You show up ready to work, ready to laugh, and ready to tackle whatever unexpected challenge comes our way. We simply could not do this without you.
To the Northern Hotel, Billings Montana and especially Katie Molodecki: Thank you for the extraordinary hospitality, generosity, and attention to detail that make this event feel so special. There is something remarkable about gathering in a place so rich in history, elegance, and character. The Northern has become part of our gala's identity, and I cannot imagine a more fitting home for this celebration.
To our phenomenal emcee, Ron Murray, and auctioneer, Brady Ostermiller: What can I possibly say about the two of you? Your chemistry, humor, energy, and remarkable ability to bring a room together have helped transform this gala into an experience all its own. You keep us laughing, engaged, and occasionally wondering what might happen next. You are both exceptional at what you do, and we are incredibly fortunate to have you in our corner.
To our dedicated board of directors: Thank you for the leadership, guidance, and steady support you provide throughout the year. You bring your time, expertise, perspective, and passion to this mission, often behind the scenes and without recognition. Your willingness to ask hard questions, help navigate challenges, open doors, and remain deeply committed to our veterans strengthens every part of Dog Tag Buddies. I am grateful for the wisdom and encouragement you bring to this organization, and I am honored to serve alongside you.
And finally, to my extraordinary Dog Tag Buddies staff: I wish everyone could see what goes into making this one evening possible. The planning begins in January. Hundreds upon hundreds of hours are spent coordinating, organizing, problem-solving, adjusting, and sometimes performing what can only be described as minor miracles.
You carry an enormous amount of responsibility, often without recognition, and you do it because you believe in something bigger than yourselves. I see your dedication, your sacrifices, your long hours, and your unwavering commitment to our veterans. I am incredibly proud of this team, and I hope you know how deeply I appreciate each of you.
As I reflect on last night, I keep coming back to one simple truth.
None of us creates a ripple alone.
Every volunteer who gives an hour, every sponsor who makes an investment, every guest who raises a paddle, every person who shares our story, and every individual who believes in this mission becomes part of something far greater than a single evening.
The impact does not end when the lights go down, the tables are cleared, or the last guest heads home.
It continues in the life of a veteran who finds hope again. In a family that begins to heal. In a service dog partnership that restores confidence, independence, and purpose. In moments we may never witness, but that exist because someone chose to care.
That is the ripple. That is why we do what we do. And that is what you made possible last night.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in Dog Tag Buddies, for believing in our veterans, and for reminding us that when a community comes together with purpose, the possibilities are extraordinary.
The evening may be over, but the ripples are only beginning.
