Flaco Guapo Media
SAN ANGELO – The headliner for Saturday's Targa Resources West Texas Boys Ranch Ball Sponsor’s live entertainment was American roots, "Ameripolitan" honky-tonk legend, Dale Watson.
Watson's Lone Star Band members: Mike Bernal - Drums; Chris Crepps - Upright Bass; Don Pawlak - Pedal Steel.
Before attendees got their dance card full, Texas two-stepping to his classics, another significant gentleman acknowledged was WTBR's guest speaker, Mr. Kirby Cope, a former Boys Ranch individual who grew up on the WTBR property.
WTBR CEO, Jeremy Vincent welcomes everyone to the nonprofit organization's annual Ball.
WTBR Donor Relations Coordinator, Jill Mitchell, hands a recognition award to one of Targa Resources representatives.
Targa Resources was West Texas Boys Ranch's sponsor for the 7th annual Ball.
Mitchell makes another presentation, this one a recognition award to Tony Hunter, co-owner of Fifi Dubois. Fifi's has contributed $100,000 over the years to WTBR. 
Left-to-right: WTBR CEO, Jeremy Vincent, Mr Kirby Cope, and WTBR Donor Relations Coordinator, Jill Mitchell.
Cope's poignant remarks were so moving that you could literally hear a pin drop as everyone was attentive to his touching, personal story on what it was like in the 70s to be accepted into the WTBR family as one of its’ youngest boys.
The annual WTBR Ball got underway with doors opened at 6 p.m. followed by the Silent Auction, dinner at 8 p.m. Dale Watson, country music maverick/ LS Band commenced to Texas stepping with their unique style of country sounds from the Wells Fargo Pavilion at 8:45 p.m.
This happily married couple who is still to this day on their honeymoon as they are madly in love with each, Pam and Steve are two of the nicest, West Texas laid back friendly people you will ever want to meet. I have known Pam since we both worked together at the San Angelo Standard times, from 2001-2003. Pam is still the same to this day, friendly, smilely, respectful and fun to be around. Pam and Steve, you still look good, maybe even better than ever!
Lisette Alverio and her date, Bill Cullins holding hands together.
This awesome Texas, two-steeping "Dancing with the Country Stars"couple: Gunner and his "dance-card-is-full" wife, Ranaye Conrow were really putting on a great show as they high-stepped it, bringing their "A" game on the dance floor. When Flaco Guapo (known as two left-feet Geek for not knowing how to Texas dance) told them they were great, they just humbly responded by saying they were just there to have a good time. Evidenced by their dancing the night away, they sure did! Giddy up Mr. and Mrs. Conrow. Interestingly how even their last name has a nice country ring flavor. — 
In Cope’s lengthy remarks, he made sure to point out that at table #22 were eight, WTBR young men. “I ask that you welcome some boys that made it here tonight.” “I am honored and privileged to say they are our guests.”
When Kirby lived at the Boys Ranch in 1977 during the Christmas holidays, he was given a $35 dollar-a-week allowance, and a Sears Catalog. Kirby humorously pointed out to the attendees that the boys were grateful to members of the community who bought them Christmas gifts without it having to come out of his or the boys’ allowance. After Kirby teared up a second, he gathered his composure to fondly tell of the time when the late, Mr. Nathan Donsky, owner of Nathan’s Jewelers, gave him and the other Ranch boys a watch. “I remember he gave me a watch one year,” said Cope. “It may have been $10 or $12 dollars at his cost, but to me that was a $1,000 watch.”
Prior to Saturday evening’s WTBR Ball, Cope had dinner with the Boys Ranch young men. Cope was asked “What was the most trouble that you ever saw a boy get into?” Kirby turned that question around and told the audience he was so glad the boys didn’t ask “What was the most trouble you got into” at which everyone laughed approvingly at his sense of humor.
Before Cope concluded his story, he reminded the attendees that many of the boys come from diverse family backgrounds. “These boys will share feelings that include: abandonment, inadequacy, neglected and guilt that they will have to overcome.” Kirby stated that many of them live with the hope of being re-united with their families. “These boys were not placed here by their own actions.” “We need to uplift them and support them.” “We as a caring community can play an important role in reaching, rebuilding and bettering their lives to help them realize their goals [their dreams]” said Cope.
WTBR’s Mission Statement: “Reflecting its ranching heritage and commitment to Christian values, West Texas Boys Ranch provides loving, caring families and homes for boys in need so they can become healthy, happy, self-sufficient citizens.” Evidenced by Cope’s homecoming and being its’ guest speaker, the nonprofit organization’s Raising Boys. . . Building Men” was surely worth every dollar invested in the boys live, particularly on that special night.
As for the evening’s meal, catering was done by Second Hand Smoke which consisted of pork chops, green beans, mashed potatoes with cream gravy, pecan pie and tea.
And, a Silent Auction took place throughout the evening. WTBR Donor Relations Coordinator, Jill Mitchell, informed Flaco Guapo Media that this year’s major fundraiser Ball raised $95,000, which also included the Auction that took place.